Josh Peltier
Creativity comes in many forms for Josh Peltier, head of the Visual Arts department at the Debajehmujig Creation Centre in Manitowaning.
Mr. Peltier curates the centre’s gallery while also writing and directing theatre productions, acting with the Global Savages and painting and sculpting for his own exhibitions.
“There are so many different layers to what I do here,” Mr. Peltier said.
“At Debaj we wear a lot of hats.”
The artist designs sets and props for the shows and creates mural backdrops that draw on his experience as a mural painter. The art form is intrinsic to his creativity.
“I studied sculpture and installation at OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design). I went in as a mural painter and came out as a mural painter,” he mused.
Of late, Mr. Peltier has realized happiness in “being out in nature creating ephemeral art that exists with time and eventually goes back to the earth.”
“I’m using natural materials more in my work now, it’s the next wave. For example my next exhibition at the Wiky gallery is all in leather, beehive comb, wood and feathers, etc.”
Keeping it fresh, the artist completely changes his work from one exhibit to the next. “I try to throw myself and people off to keep things interesting,” he said.
Living in Toronto for 11 years he moved back to Wikwemikong in 2004 to take care of his daughter. Having worked at Debaj in the past he decided to accept the job offer to head the visual arts department.
“I came to Debaj and found out that I got to teach the way I wanted to teach. There are so many different things I can teach here and if I don’t know how to do something I figure it out. As an artist I always find new ways to learn and create.”
Mr. Peltier feels that the Creation Centre is a “one of a kind facility that opens you up to so many possibilities.”
Having the space has allowed him to work on his sculptures and he has expanded his knowledge of using different materials and techniques through his travels with the Global Savages.
The Global Savages have travelled across Canada and Europe as storytellers and along with Mr. Peltier include Bruce Naokwegijig, Joe Osawabine and his wife Jessica Wilde-Peltier.
“Jesse and I work, live and travel in shows together and the great thing about this marriage is that we never get bored with each other. We are always finding new things to do and create, to keep our lives interesting,” Mr. Peltier noted.
Working at Debaj, often seven days a week, is what is needed for the artist and the team to get such a large variety of exceptional shows up and running.
“We have creative people working here so we can put our heads together and work as a collective. It’s like a hive. We want high quality work because we want people to say ‘Wow! I want to come back and what are you doing next?’”
The Debajehmujig Creation Centre is located at 43 Queen Street in Manitowaning. For further information call 705-859-2317 or visit www.debaj.ca.
