Artist's Page
Jay Bell Redbird 1966-2019
Jay Bell Redbird was born August 31,1966 in Ottawa, Ontario. He is the son, of proud parents Elaine Bell (late) and Duke Redbird. He is a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve. He is a parent to seven children whom he dedicates his paintings to. Jay is a self-taught artist. Growing up, he was around and influenced by world-renowned artists, Jackson Beardy, Norval Morrisseau, Cecil Youngfox, his uncle Leland Bell, and his father, painter and writer Duke Redbird. As a teenager, Norval Morrisseau talked to Jayabout colours and their meanings relating how they express Aboriginal language, history and culture.
Jay's Uncle Leland showed him techniques and shared traditional teachings and stories explaining the animals and their meanings. Following these formative years, he continued to paint, learning more and finding his own voice and stories to share through his painting, which are vibrant in colours, stories and meanings.