Fusion of Traditions

While sitting at the kitchen table with the beading loom warp set with dozens of threads, Speplól Tanya Zilinski coaxes stories and teachings into existence. Surrounded by the hubbub of home and family, they thread row after row of tiny seed beads. Precise patterns come together to share sqwélqwel (true stories), sxwōxwiyám (legend or traditional stories) and xwélmexwelh tó:lmel (traditional knowledge).

Hanging in the Art Gallery of St. Albert’s staircase feature gallery, Fusion of Traditions presents loom beaded tapestries by Speplól Tanya Zilinski, weaving together their history, experience, traditions and cultures. And as it is for many, they are a complex knot that connects many different threads. The artist is Anishinaabe with family ties to Manitoba, but they were raised in British Columbia, separated from their traditions and language. They have been part of the Stó:Lō community in Hope for over 30 years through their partner, children and grandchildren. Both cultures are a living, breathing part of the artist’s being.

“The loom beaded tapestries in this series are a representation of reconnecting to culture and a blending of two Indigenous cultures. They are an exploration of finding myself through culture and language and, in turn, keeping it alive for future generations,” Speplól says.

Speplól Tanya Zilinski creates each piece with their children and future descendants in mind, knowing that these beautiful artworks are something tangible that will be passed down. Through their work, the artist cherishes their cultures, stories and languages, celebrating them for generations to come. 

Fusion of Traditions runs until July 26. Special thanks to the Canada Council of the Arts for their support of this project.

Events:

In-person tour: Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 pm and June 18 at noon

Virtual tour: Wednesday, May 28 at noon on Facebook Live