HELLO!
Welcome to my portfolio! I'm Phoebe Riel, a Kwakwaka'wakw artist based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and a member of the ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation. I have Ojibway roots, with many close relatives, including my dad, being members of the Batchewana First Nation. I am deeply motivated by the power of visual storytelling, a craft passed down through my long line of Indigenous storytellers.
I recently graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's Degree in Design and Illustration, having been on the President's Roll for the last four semesters.
My artwork is a fusion of illustration and visual story development, drawing inspiration from my First Nation identity, childhood memories, and a love for the surreal. With a whimsically adorable yet uniquely odd style, my pieces often delve into themes of memory, childhood, and surrealism.
As a toy collector and horror story enthusiast, my work is heavily influenced by these passions, infusing my visual style and narratives with elements that captivate and intrigue me. Whether it's through the pages of a children's book or the panels of a horror visual novel, I'm always exploring new avenues of storytelling narratives that resonate.
I'm always on the lookout for new opportunities and connections, so please don't hesitate to reach out!
RECENT EXHIBITIONS
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Our Stories, Our Voices, Our Ways
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The Land That Holds Us
PARTIAL CLIENT LIST
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Calgary Arts Development
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Alberta university of the Arts
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MobSquad
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Covergint
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Rocky View Schools District
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The Circle for Truth and Reconciliation
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The Lodgepole Center
AWARDS
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Elder Portrait Award, Alberta University of the Arts - May 2022
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Indigenous Careers Award, Alberta Advanced Education - November 2022, December 2024