HALF MOON WOMAN (PAT BRUDERER)
About the artist
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
Half Moon Woman, also known as Pat Bruderer, is one of the few knowledge keepers and expert practitioners of Birch Bark Biting, an ancient Indigenous art form. Born and raised in Churchill, Manitoba, Half Moon Woman is a self taught artist who has been perfecting her craft for over thirty years. Birch Bark Biting utilizes the artist’s teeth to engrave an image into a thin piece of birch bark. Traditionally used to create beading designs, share stories, or to record ceremonies, Birch Bark Bitings are a rare site. Dedicating herself to Birch Bark Biting and its preservation, Half Moon Woman speaks to and teaches thousands of students a year about this art form through school workshops.
“I've always produced art to nourish and heal my spirit. While some art is made from the hand, this art is made with my teeth. Birch bark bitings are an imprint. Illumination and shadow, teeth and bark. A kaleidoscope of impressions from my life.”
Pat's work can be found in museums, galleries, and private collections around the world.
About Wanuskewin collective
Our shops are a not-for-profit organization that have been apart of the Wanuskewin Heritage Park for over 30 years now. With our earnings going back into the park and other organizations such as ones involved in survivors of Residential schools as well as families of Missing Murdered Indigenous Women; we are fortunate and proud to be apart of Treaty 6 Territory.
