Carman’s Chris Larsen has recently published her first book entitled “Finding Grandma – A Metis Story.”
Larsen is an award-winning artist who regularly shares her love of art and nature through workshops and retreats at her River’s Edge Studio.
She has had many solo exhibitions of her diverse work across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. She has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for contributing to the arts and received the Manitoba Arts Council Aboriginal Arts Grant.
Completing her first book was a challenge, but one that Larsen was up for and was thrilled to see it come to fruition.
“I really wrote it to be able to give to my grandchildren,” said Chris Larsen. “I began with drawings of our times in the forest and thought it was going to be a story of our adventures in the woods, which it is, but as time went on, five years to be exact, I knew it was going to be something a little more. Creating the art first actually inspired me to start writing about searching for and finding my Métis identity.”
“Finding Grandma – A Metis Story” is a magical journey of self-discovery and imagination. The story follows Larsen’s quest to find her Metis heritage and identity.
“Together with my grandchildren, we embark on an adventure through the forest where we encounter fantastical creatures and learn about the true nature surrounding us. I wanted to weave a tale of wonder and discovery from my experiences as an artist, grandmother, and lover of nature. This book is an invitation to rediscover the joy of the landscape surrounding us and learning to play in the forest with imagination and fantasy, as well as giving teachings through the different creatures in the woods.”
Larsen notes that the reception to the book has been excellent so far in the month that it’s been available to the public.
“Its lyrical form is best read aloud, honouring oral storytelling,” said Larsen.
People interested in the book can purchase a copy from Larsen herself at clarsen@sdnet.ca or through her website, www.chrislarsen.ca, or at the St. Boniface Museum gift shop in Winnipeg.
