Artist Spotlight, ManitobaMade by Jake
PoCo Inspired: Tell us a bit about yourself
ManitobaMade by Jake: My name is Jake (Jacqueline) Freeman, I am a Michif artist who was raised in the birthplace of my Métis Nation, Treaty 1 territory, in what is now known as Winnipeg.
I just moved to Nex̱wlélex̱m (Bowen Island, BC) which is unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples (Skwxwú7mesh, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations).
I just moved to Nex̱wlélex̱m (Bowen Island, BC) which is unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples (Skwxwú7mesh, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations).
I hope to continue to create unique pieces inspired by nature in my new surroundings.
My late mother (Lorraine) was the co-founder and past president of the Métis Culture and Heritage Resource Centre, so I was very fortunate to grow up knowing where my Michif roots come from. Some of my family lines include Fleury, Pritchard, Delorme, and Grant.
I am primarily a self-taught contemporary artist working with many media; paints, beads, leather, caribou hair, feathers, birchbark, quills, and metals - to name a few. My work is ever-evolving and I want to create pieces for all people to wear, display, or enjoy. I am grateful to learn from other artists and also teach workshops so that participants understand the delicate work and the love that goes into each piece.
I am a featured maker at:
shopWAG in Winnipeg (2020)
Southwest Art Gallery of Manitoba in Brandon (2021)
Two Rivers Gallery in Prince George, BC. (2022)
NEAT on Bowen, Bowen Island, BC (2022)
Mainly Manitoba, Wasagaming and Brandon MB (2022)
I work full time and creates as a passion. I have a Chemical and Biosciences Technology diploma from Red River College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba.
My late mother (Lorraine) was the co-founder and past president of the Métis Culture and Heritage Resource Centre, so I was very fortunate to grow up knowing where my Michif roots come from. Some of my family lines include Fleury, Pritchard, Delorme, and Grant.
I am primarily a self-taught contemporary artist working with many media; paints, beads, leather, caribou hair, feathers, birchbark, quills, and metals - to name a few. My work is ever-evolving and I want to create pieces for all people to wear, display, or enjoy. I am grateful to learn from other artists and also teach workshops so that participants understand the delicate work and the love that goes into each piece.
I am a featured maker at:
shopWAG in Winnipeg (2020)
Southwest Art Gallery of Manitoba in Brandon (2021)
Two Rivers Gallery in Prince George, BC. (2022)
NEAT on Bowen, Bowen Island, BC (2022)
Mainly Manitoba, Wasagaming and Brandon MB (2022)
I work full time and creates as a passion. I have a Chemical and Biosciences Technology diploma from Red River College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba.
PoCo Inspired: When did you first start making jewellery and what was the first piece you ever made?
ManitobaMade by Jake: I began my creative experimentation with pointillism painting. I used to do with my late Ma but as far as growing the business and beginning with jewelry, I would say that I began when I was at at event and a vendor was selling a bag of porcupine quills... and I just happened to have a pair of earrings that were passed down to me that needed to be repaired. so I got those quills home and took that old pair apart and remade them. They were just for me but I was thrilled I was able to save this pair of earrings I was never allowed to wear as a kid. I began beading earrings and expanding into other materials likely around late 2016 when I had friends ask me if I could make them some fringe earrings.
ManitobaMade by Jake: I began my creative experimentation with pointillism painting. I used to do with my late Ma but as far as growing the business and beginning with jewelry, I would say that I began when I was at at event and a vendor was selling a bag of porcupine quills... and I just happened to have a pair of earrings that were passed down to me that needed to be repaired. so I got those quills home and took that old pair apart and remade them. They were just for me but I was thrilled I was able to save this pair of earrings I was never allowed to wear as a kid. I began beading earrings and expanding into other materials likely around late 2016 when I had friends ask me if I could make them some fringe earrings.
PoCo Inspired: What inspires your creativity when making a new piece of jewellery?
ManitobaMade by Jake: I think colours and patterns, either from nature or in prints are what really inspire me..... finding ways to combine materials (beads and bark, metal and quills, etc) is what really inspires me. But other artists also inspire me, whether it's soap making, graphic design, moccasin making, repurposing materials etc the list goes on. I have a head full of ideas and sometimes it's difficult to make a piece work or to find the time etc..... but i just need to get out for a walk in nature to feel rejuvenated again and set some time aside to scroll through my sketch book and get going!
ManitobaMade by Jake: I think colours and patterns, either from nature or in prints are what really inspire me..... finding ways to combine materials (beads and bark, metal and quills, etc) is what really inspires me. But other artists also inspire me, whether it's soap making, graphic design, moccasin making, repurposing materials etc the list goes on. I have a head full of ideas and sometimes it's difficult to make a piece work or to find the time etc..... but i just need to get out for a walk in nature to feel rejuvenated again and set some time aside to scroll through my sketch book and get going!
PoCo Inspired: What is the single most important skill you have learned and why?
ManitobaMade by Jake: I think colours and patterns, either from nature or in prints are what really inspire me..... finding ways to combine materials (beads and bark, metal and quills, etc) is what really inspires me. But other artists also inspire me, whether it's soap making, graphic design, moccasin making, repurposing materials etc the list goes on. I have a head full of ideas and sometimes it's difficult to make a piece work or tho find the time etc..... but i just need to get out for a walk in beautiful BC to feel rejuvenated again and set some time aside to scroll through my sketch book and get going!
ManitobaMade by Jake: I think colours and patterns, either from nature or in prints are what really inspire me..... finding ways to combine materials (beads and bark, metal and quills, etc) is what really inspires me. But other artists also inspire me, whether it's soap making, graphic design, moccasin making, repurposing materials etc the list goes on. I have a head full of ideas and sometimes it's difficult to make a piece work or tho find the time etc..... but i just need to get out for a walk in beautiful BC to feel rejuvenated again and set some time aside to scroll through my sketch book and get going!
PoCo Inspired: What challenges do you face in your work?
ManitobaMade by Jake: I'd say I am continually working on some challenges. Expanding my brand would be one but more importantly getting all of my ideas out there. I often struggle finding the time to create, work full-time, maintain good mental health. I do also wish I had more time (or space) to really spread out all of my ideas and half-started projects and really get into practicing bead embroidery.
ManitobaMade by Jake: I'd say I am continually working on some challenges. Expanding my brand would be one but more importantly getting all of my ideas out there. I often struggle finding the time to create, work full-time, maintain good mental health. I do also wish I had more time (or space) to really spread out all of my ideas and half-started projects and really get into practicing bead embroidery.
PoCo Inspired: What is your biggest achievement so far in your business?
ManitobaMade by Jake: I am humbled by each and every order that comes my way! I was honored to have seen my pieces worn by those on a national platform TWICE at the National Leadership debate in late 2021 and the swearing in of Governor General Mary Simon in July 2021 (worm by Michif musician). It means a lot to me to have people reach out for me to create a special piece for them or their loved ones but also seeing your creations on TV is pretty cool!! Having a website is an accomplishment! having items in gallery shops and local stores is another accomplishment. I've also done a few interviews with APTN and that's always nerve-racking but fun too!! Teaching classes has also been an accomplishment to me too!!! There's a lot I am very thankful for and it's too hard to pick just one thing. lol
ManitobaMade by Jake: I am humbled by each and every order that comes my way! I was honored to have seen my pieces worn by those on a national platform TWICE at the National Leadership debate in late 2021 and the swearing in of Governor General Mary Simon in July 2021 (worm by Michif musician). It means a lot to me to have people reach out for me to create a special piece for them or their loved ones but also seeing your creations on TV is pretty cool!! Having a website is an accomplishment! having items in gallery shops and local stores is another accomplishment. I've also done a few interviews with APTN and that's always nerve-racking but fun too!! Teaching classes has also been an accomplishment to me too!!! There's a lot I am very thankful for and it's too hard to pick just one thing. lol
PoCo Inspired: Where can we find you to shop online or in-person?
ManitobaMade by Jake:
Website: https://manitobamadebyjake.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manitobamade/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manitobamade_byjake/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manitobamade/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manitobamade_byjake/
