THE ARTIST
Samaqani Cocahq Natalie Sappier is a Wolastoqey Indigenous multidisciplinary storyteller from Neqotkuk First Nation, New Brunswick. She believes that art and wellness are intertwined, like a single braid of sweetgrass. Driven by a deep desire to create stories of healing, love, purpose, and protection of both spirit and Earth Mother, Samaqani draws upon her ancestral teachings for guidance. Her contemporary artistic expressions, particularly in her painted storytelling, are rooted in Traditional Wabanaki motifs, landscape, language, and the experience of growing up on the rez.
Samaqani taps into her ancestral connection by chanting, which allows her to journey into imaginative worlds and explore realms of wonder. This process is where she discovers the colors, placemarks, emotions, and characters that dance with the body, either in written words or spoken form. Her creative work is a direct reflection of her memory portal and the deep ties she holds to her heritage.
Residency Description
During my Beaverbrook Residency, I will focus on finalizing elements for my play Amawhle.
Amawhle is a play that weaves together pieces from my many short stories titled "Stories of Maw," which I have shared in various performance spaces, circles, and gatherings. These stories blend both fiction and non-fiction, with parts written and spoken in Wolastoqey. They are placed across different timelines, featuring a world of characters that shape-shift.
I believe that creating plays that reflect family and community requires both family and community to bring them into fruition. At times, I may invite my teachers (my collaborators) to join me in the creative space.
Like weaving a basket, I am constantly intertwining elements of the story, and there is no complete knowing of the process I will undergo during this development. The goals of this residency include completing the Wolastoqey translation, which may involve inviting language speakers for teachings and audio recordings for directing. Additionally, I will work on painting and drawing story props, characters, regalia, and set designs. I will also explore movement for the dance development within the story, which may involve collaborating with dancers. My creative process will include chanting to connect with the visions of the story, which could lead to song development with other music collaborators.
Beaverbrook Gallery Residency Schedule
APRIL 1-18
APRIL 20-24
