Using traditional techniques for gathering, tanning, embroidering, and embellishment, Nelson-based textile artist Naomi Bourque has reimagined the intersection of function and beauty in her latest project, Medicine Harvest – a series of ten ponchos constructed with natural materials, including deer hide, antler, birch bark, and plant dyes.  

Three of the ponchos in the series will be on display during an artist talk at the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery on Friday, February 23 at 7pm. Naomi will discuss her approach to her practice, Medicine Harvest, and the Indigenous Fashion Arts Biennial – the prestigious fashion event held in Toronto this spring. The ponchos are being created as part of an artist residency at Selkirk College; Bourque is a graduate  of the Kootenay School of the Arts Jewelry and Small Object Design program (2013), the Sculptural Metal program (2015), and the Textiles program (2023).  

“The vision for this collection was to depict what someone might wear whilst harvesting traditional medicine. I chose to design ponchos, as it is a design that can allow for hands-free movement, which is important for harvesting and gathering,” explains Bourque. “Each poncho has specific functional qualities that assist in the harvest and transport of the traditional medicines.” The materials and techniques chosen for each poncho also have significant relevance, such as using marigold plant dye for the Arnica poncho to lend a regal compliment to the medicine, and felting the fabric for the Lichen body, adding a gauzy, mossy feel to the piece.  

Inspired by the organic shapes, colours, and textures of the land, Bourque draws from her cultural heritage and the traditional art and clothing of the Mackenzie Delta of the Northwest Territories. Her love and appreciation for the beauty of the wild was nurtured during childhood summers at her grandparents’ camp on the Mackenzie River.  

Medicine Harvest will be on display in Gallery A for the evening, and will be featured in the runway show From this Land We Grow during the Indigenous Fashion Arts Biennial event from May 31 to June 2 at the Eaton Centre in Toronto. A selection of Bourque’s antler jewelry is available for purchase in the Nelson Museum Shop.