“Get to Know” is a series that profiles Indigenous artists engaged in Harbour projects. Collective member Vanda Fleury connected with Craig Commanda by Zoom in the Spring of 2022 to bring you this feature article.
Craig Commanda is grounded in the shapeshifting experiences of a multidisciplinary artist in Mòniyang/Montreal, Quebec. He is a member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg First Nation, and he harnesses his creative energy through a sense of wonder that is unique to his way of being. Reflection and humility allow him to navigate his gifts at his own pace. He affirms, “the more I know, the more I can dream.” Craig practices possibility by living in the moment, thinking in different ways, and answering the call of curiosity.
From dreamscapes to landscapes, Craig felt the staying power of artwork at an early age. It affected his wellbeing, his self-esteem, and his cultural identity. Any outlet for creative expression became a lifeline, and source of motivation as a youth. There are a range of issues that create barriers to self-actualization in rural communities, from a lack of programs and infrastructure encouraging kids to explore their talents, to no acknowledgement of difference in these passions. Never one to lament lost time, these truths inform the advocacy work he does for the youth of today, and for emerging artists.
Seasons change. Craig defines his identity, and he is at-home with the titles of contemporary — urban — Indigenous — artist. His essential tool kit draws from hide tanning, fish skin, beadwork, digital fabrication, photography, and moving images. He creates jewelry, earrings, poetry, film, and music. Traditional arts allow him to engage in the preservation and promotion of cultural knowledge. He builds equity within the process, and foraging raw materials provides unique trade opportunities with friends. Craig is concerned with the revival of traditions centered on local economies and land stewardship and he holds a deep respect for the earth and the harvest.
These acts of reclamation are tied up with memory work, too. Stitched into each detail is the influence of people and places attached to a project. With pride, Craig created a handmade fish skin leather tie. Textured and unique, your eyes trace a story around caribou tufting, raised beadwork, shells, fish scales, moose skin embroidery, vintage, and fire polished beads. A bag of beads seamlessly appeared during fabrication, likely a gift from the spirit beaders. He accessed the pike vertebrae and moose-hide through land-based education. The abalone shell represents interconnectedness with our neighbours in New Zealand and it was chosen to support a local entrepreneur. Enshrined in fine art is Craig’s commitment to community and he wears his indigeneity, and his tie, with pride.
That Craig “gets in with both hands” is an understatement. He is also a VJ artist and a multi-instrumentalist. Craig’s fine-tuning of these talents brings an added touch to film scoring and moving image work. Craig’s short films have premiered at arts and cultural events across Montreal, and he holds a BFA in Film Production from Concordia University. He is balanced by solo and group projects and is currently working on a film with the Bawaadan Collective.
Craigs confronts Indigenous representation through film, but also with a camera. In 2022 he was selected to be a photographer for the Indigenous Forced Displacement, Inside Out Project[1]. Portraitures of Montreal’s Indigenous community colour the cityscape and the installation speaks to resilience, strength, and survival. Craig’s work as a portrait artist supports the voices of those often unheard and is well suited to his mindfulness-based approach. Charlie-Yoko McDonald’s article in The Link (2022) explains, “he enjoyed it because he was able to connect more to the subject in a way that other types of photography don’t really allow.”[2] Craig’s dossier also includes travel, nature, and event photos.
He experiences joy through creating and sharing and when that is mutual, Craig has honoured his gifts. His commissioned pieces are rewarding in the same way because they empower him to bring another vision to life. Rigid labels run against the grain of his philosophy, and he welcomes individual perspectives to locate meaning. Speaking of the reception among friends and contemporaries, he says, “it’s how people interpret it, and how it resonates with them.” Be sure to check out his work at Pierre François Oullette Art Contemporain until June 25, 2022. Get to know Craig by following him on Instagram: @craigcommandacreations
[1] Expressions of art in public spaces are meant to create awareness and inspire change through group actions. This is a collaborative project with global participation. See https://www.insideoutproject.net/en/ [2022, May 15].
[2] Charlie-Yoko McDonald. (2022, March 23). “Second installation of the Indigenous Forced Displacement project displayed at MIND high school.” The Link. [Online]. Available:
https://thelinknewspaper.ca/article/second-installation-of-the-indigenous-forced-displacement-project-displayed-at-mind-high-school [2022, May 15].
Craig Commanda is an Anishinaabe multi-disciplinary artist from Kitigan Zibi First Nation. He works in film, music, beadwork, poetry, photography, traditional crafts, hide tanning, and digital fabrication. He holds a BFA in Film Production from Concordia University and his work has screened internationally at film festivals. His beadwork was part of an exhibition at Ottawa Art Gallery and most recently, he had portraiture photography posted to an international art project called Inside Out. Craig bases his practice in Montreal/Mòniyang where he currently lives.
“Get to Know” series is made possible with support from the Canada Council for the Arts, Creating, Knowing and Sharing.