2013 Career Fair Art

Maria Livingston 

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Maria Livingston is a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation in Northern Alberta. She became a new mother in January 2012 and just finished her 3rd year at University of Lethbridge as a Native American Studies major. She first learnt hoop dancing from J.J. First Charger in 2006, and has done numerous performances since then; mainly in Southern Alberta. She also does beadwork, painting, sewing, and fish scale art.

The piece “Fancy Dancer” is originally from a set of three paintings, the other two are paintings of a traditional dancer and a jingle dress dancer. Maria looked to strong native women who paved the path for her success when she was in need of motivation. Her family members, community members and native women activists helped Maria keep moving forward when she was struggling in her own life. This painting shows her appreciation for these women and also her love for native dancing.