“The painting Changes by Jim Oskineegish is the inspiration behind Something More. Art communicates differently and elicits diverse interpretations from each observer. My personal analysis of this painting was that each fish stems from the same species yet they both dare to be different in unique ways. Oskineegish uses bold and high contrasting colours to emphasize this diversity, while also creating unity throughout the piece. My response to Oskineegish’s work was also influenced by a quote from Former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson: “If you want something you have never had before, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” Through Something More I aim to capture the courage required to deviate from society norms and expectations and how that can reveal an unseen aspect of oneself.”

–Rakhshinda Sahrish Chowdhury (Grade 9, J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, Ajax, Ontario)

Jim Oskineegish is an artist and medicine man from Eabametoong First Nation. Since the early 2000s, Oskineegish has worked in the Woodland style, a method of painting championed by Norval Morrisseau (1931–2007). Oskineegish’s works convey stories and legends, as well as Ojibwe teachings and values.