Episode 17 - Sharifah Marsden

Art Conversations with Lisa Jayne Irvine

Sharifah Marsden is Anishinaabe (Ojibway) from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation in Ontario. She began painting and doing beadwork when she was about 13 and was taught by her mother, who was also a painter.

Sharifah connected with elders in her community and began doing leather work, crafting moccasins and regalia. Then she took courses in Northwest Coast Jewelry at the Native Education College in Vancouver where she became skilled in hand engraved jewellery. She also trained for two years at the Vancouver Metal Arts School for goldsmithing.

Sharifah’s jewellery design is based on Ojibway floral art and geometric beadwork. And her paintings are inspired by her life.

Sharifah’s intricate jewellery, beadwork, weaving, and painting is sold on her website and through galleries, like the Latimer Gallery in Vancouver. She has also been commissioned to create colourful murals depicting Indigenous life and culture, including “Healing Quilt” to honour the loved ones lost from opioid overdose, and “Unconditional Love” with the Vancouver Mural Festival.

Sharifah’s painting series “Anishinaabe Motherhood” tells the stories of motherhood and of being a woman. It reflects her Anishinaabe heritage, in a contemporary context, and it includes her own personal experiences.

On today’s episode Sharifah talks about her love of murals, how her indigenous culture influences both her jewellery and painting, as well as her new drum series.

Interested in learning more about SHarifah’s work? Check out her website at www.sharifahmarsden.com

Find Sharifah on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thunderbirdlady/ or https://www.instagram.com/artbysharifah/

Find me on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artconversationswithlisajayne/ or at my website at www.lisajayneirvine.com