Shona Barbour

Region: 
North Slave
Community: 
Yellowknife
Artist Bio: 

Shona Barbour is a quilter and textile artist originally from Yellowknife and currently living and sewing in Inuvik. She has had a love of crafts since a very young age, as a child usually choosing craft projects over dolls on most occasions. In the mid- 1990s Shona was fortunate to be part of a strong fine arts program at Sir John Franklin High School (Yellowknife, NT), guided by art teacher Mrs. Betty Wilcox. Although originally planning on entering a college graphic design program Shona choose to pursue her academics at the University of Alberta. It was during her time at the University of Alberta, studying Native Studies and enrolling in many art history classes, that she began quilting and working with fabrics. Shona is attracted to quilting through its fabrics, colour, graphic patterns, and necessity for patience.

Shona was a driving force behind the conception of the Inuvik Quilting Guild in July 2006 and she continues to support new and experienced quilters through both beginner courses and experimental courses in Inuvik. Her fabric basket making, felting, art quilting, and fabric dyeing is an extension of her love for traditional quilting and interest in utilitarian arts and usable art. For Shona traditional quilting and other textile arts provide art and design within everyday living; bedding, sleeping, gathering, storage, organization, and warmth.

Last Updated: June 7, 2023

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