A Fusion of Traditions by Tanya Zilinski
Artist Statement and Bio Tanya ZIlinski
Speplól TANYA ZILINSKI BIOGRAPHY
Tanya is a multidisciplinary artist, Halq'eméylem teacher, and is the Matriarch of their family. They are a member of Red River Nation Manitoba with maternal family and ancestral ties to Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, and Huron Wendat Nations throughout Turtle Island's Plains and Great Lakes regions and is Ukrainian paternally. Maternal family names are Chartrand (double) and Lagimodiere (double). One of Tanya’s traditional names is Speplól, which means Little Crow and was a name given to them at the age fourteen.
They were born and have lived their entire life on the stolen lands of the Chowethel people, Ts'qó:ls, which is the Halq'eméylem name for what is known to settlers today as “Hope, B.C”. Their medium is traditional Indigenous loom beadwork and the retelling of oral stories and teachings through patterns laid out on beadwork tapestries. They were taught to loom bead at 15 years old by a Stó:lō Elder in their community at Chawathil First Nation. Speplól has developed unique methods and techniques for creating large loom beaded tapestries made from tiny glass seed beads. Rooted in traditional loom beadwork, Tanya has expanded the expressive possibilities within this craft and has transformed the medium into high concept, fine art.
Speplól is connected to the Stó:lō community in the Teltíyt Tribe area through unification of the last 33 years, six children, and grandchildren. They have training and permissions from Elders, The Stó:lō Language Authority, and community members to teach the language and culture of the Upper River Stó:lō people and is a certified teacher of the BC Teachers Federation, currently teaching the language and culture for School District 78 Fraser Cascade.
TANYA ZILINSKI ARTIST STATEMENT
Exploration of cultural identity. This is how my voyage with loom beading tapestries emerged. Colour, materials and textures are guided by spirit; my hands flow with direction of that which cannot be seen but is there in celestial essence and in my reality.
I use traditional loom beadwork for the purpose of passing on cultural knowledge, language, oral stories, for a spiritual connection to my Ancestors and as a daily tincture to cure the body and mind. I have developed my own methods and techniques through experimentation for creating large loom beaded tapestries that unite two cultures, complimenting one another, for the next seven generations and beyond of community and family. I am at oneness while I am creating, and this process has gifted me a new perspective on life. It is with great gratitude I acknowledge this canoe journey has guided me to a good place and the Ancestors will continue paddling alongside me to help me navigate through the waters.