Aba Wathtech, my name traditional name is Watunga Chijun a Ozija thiha (Grizzly Cub) and my English name is Keevin Rider. I am from Guhna (Eden Valley) and it is an honor to be chosen as Artist of the month for February 2023. I have been an artist all my life. In the fall of 2016 I was invited to participate at a Treaty 7 Conference, from there I began taking Small Business classes. In 2017 I was awarded the Certificate of Recognition from the Treaty 7 Indigenous Business Builders Series. Following my dream, I started doing what my heart and soul allowed me to do and thanks to Creator I am blessed with a gift I love to share. What inspires me are my grandchildren. Children are the future, they are the ones that teach me love, forgiveness, patience and laughter. My artwork is created through their eyes. To date I have installed murals in the Bearspaw Travel Centre ("When we lived as one"), the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino ("Chiefs Domain & Creators Blessings"), the Bearspaw Youth Centre ("Blessings of the Eagle"), and the Calgary Public Central Library ("Story Tellers"), among others.
I have also have commissioned the following art pieces:
"In the Realm of our People," which hangs atop Sulfur Mountain in Banff.
"Tatanka's Song," which was commissioned by the "Know History Foundation."
"Voices of the Soaring Spirit," which was commissioned by Telus Corporation.
"Tatanka Nar'ee," which was commissioned by the Calgary Public Library and hangs in the Central Park Memorial Library.
Other mediums I work with are wood (unique, one-of-a-kind, burned artwork) and hide (mandalas). Much of my artwork is done in acrylic and featured throughout private collections worldwide.
Check out Keevin's Facebook here!
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