Louisa Moreau

Region: 
Dehcho
Community: 
Fort Simpson

Artist Story

I have been sewing for as long as I can remember; making just little things like a child likes to do. My mom would just cut something up and we would sew it any old way. I think it was her way of keeping us quiet! She also said if you want to be a good drawer, look for flowers when you go in the bush and on the land. She said that’s where she got her inspiration from, so that’s what I did too.

I create mostly northern flowers and things like dandelions and mushrooms, lady slippers, cattails and pussy willows. I like the finished product. I look at it and I say, “Did I really do this?” I’m always proud that I can make things well and people like them too. I have also been tanning moose hides for many, many years. Its very hard work but I enjoy it and find it relaxing. I also like knowing the hide I use to make my art was tanned by myself. Another reason to be proud of my work!

I started tufting when I had my third child. Back then, tufting was the only traditional art I hadn’t done. Granny Lafferty used to do a lot of tufting but she didn’t want to teach me then. So I went over to my sister’s to ask her to save me some hair. The first one was a mess but I kept at it until I got the hang of it and now I feel like I have been doing it all my life.

Artist Bio: 

Louise is from Ft. Simpson and creates in many traditional forms such as, tufting, beading, moose hide tanning, knitting and crocheting. Her creations are inspired by other artists and northern flowers in her area.

Last Updated: May 23, 2023

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