LLRIB artist proudly displaying work in gallery
- Kaitlynn Nordal | June 30, 2019
For one Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) member, the possibility of becoming a professional artist has come to fruition.
Molly Ratt came by not only her talent but interest in art from her family. Her dad is a carver, uncle James Ratt was a painter, and her cousin John Halkett is also a painter and has some of his work in the The Keethanow On the Avenue Art Gallery in Prince Albert.
“I guess it's just natural,” she said. “We were born with it because I'm self-taught. I started painting and then I just continued on since 2001.”
Ratt whose work is primarily acrylic on canvas focuses on the landscape of her community of La Ronge and childhood memories of being on the trapline.
“I’ve been on the trapline most of my childhood. I loved watching all the scenes of when I’d just sit on the shore and stare at the beaches or walked around in the bushes to go hunting or trapping. Mainly, I just loved the beauty of nature and I liked painting it,” she said.
She hopes through her work people can see the beauty she sees.
“I like to paint them so people can see what I see, how I see everything. It’s just so beautiful that it’s my favourite kind of work to do,” Ratt said.
It was not until 2014 that Ratt started to focus on art as a profession when her work was noticed by William Alberton at the Motor Hotel in La Ronge and he wanted to buy several paintings. They now are on display in several locations. Around this time, she had also started selling her paintings at Robertson’s Trading in La Ronge.
Ratt started working with The Keethanow On the Avenue Art Gallery in Prince Albert, which is owned by the Lac LaRonge Band, in early 2018.
The gallery, which supports more than 50 local and northern artists, saw Ratt’s work through her Facebook page Landscape Creations by Molly R Ratt and approached her about working together.
On June 22nd, Ratt was at the gallery showcasing and painting her latest pieces as part of the gallery’s “Meet the Artist” showcases.
This was Ratt’s first time being in a gallery in this way, so she was exited but nervous at the same time.
“This was the first time I went there. (I) thought it would be scary, but it turned out to be great. It was nice meeting these people who enjoyed my work and are interested in my art. So, hopefully they get more contacts from them through my page.” said Ratt.
As the day went on Ratt felt more comfortable. Her sister and son were in attendance as well so having familiar faces helped calm her nerves.
Ratt had 20 pieces on display, which were a mix of the La Ronge area the gallery asked her to do and various other pieces she had put together.
Ratt is currently accepting commissioned pieces.
To look at her work, go to her Facebook page.