Ambition Takes Flight

These works from Canadian artists draw their inspiration from the diverse reasons that bring each of us to the airport.

Views, content, and opinions included on artist social media do not express the views of CIBC.

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Richael Laking

Mitakuyepi (All My Relations), 2023
Acrylic on canvas

What role has ambition played in your artistic journey?

My ambition as an artist has come naturally throughout my life. I've been interpreting the world and how I perceive my surroundings since I was old enough to pick up a pencil through my art. I love sharing my work and hearing other people's interpretations of my work — what feelings, images, memories and so on are invoked. Having a wider audience has been my goal for as long as I can remember.

What kind of reaction do you hope to inspire with your work?

I hope people take in all the colour and movement that is expressed in my work. I also hope they are inspired to learn more about the diverse Indigenous Nations and voices that continue to thrive here on Turtle Island — Canada, US and Mexico. Through learning and understanding we will learn how to respect and love while eradicating negative stereotypes and misinformation.

How has travel affected your life and your art?

Travel hasn't been easy for me. Most of my life I've been in survival mode. Now that I have planted strong roots in Toronto, I feel stable enough to start focussing on travel opportunities to gain more life experience and connect with other Indigenous artists around the globe. My dad and I used to go to powwows — wacipi — when I was young in the Thunder Bay area. I remember the beat of the drums coursing through my body. I was immediately transfixed by the fancy shawl dancers. The speed of their feet and the twirl of colours was breathtaking. I still gravitate to the fancy shawl style and hope to dance again when I become financially stable and able to hit the wacipi trail in the summers to come.

Follow Richael’s work

@richaelart Opens in a new window.

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