[Experiencing] life’s pressures … trying to deal with things [the alcohol and drugs] are a trap where you almost depend on it after a while because you're either, are, numbing yourself and hiding from the emotions or portions of reality. And it becomes something you are …stuck with, and it's a curse.  Really!! It's no way to deal with life.

I want to try because here I am in my 50s. I'm, I'm learning about my culture, I'm learning how to live free of alcohol, drugs, and I sure appreciate my culture now because it's helped me and it's always helped me through my art. I mean, I try to reflect that, it's giving me some driving energy towards surviving in this day and age.

I want to try and affect positive change in the time I've got left on this planet…. I'm going to try and inspire other people to maybe move forward in their lives, especially my kids, you know, and that's important to me. I've been able to rebuild my relationship with them, try to be a better parent figure, and even, just a better human being.

-Robert

Robert Jerome was born in La Ronge Saskatchewan in 1967 he is Métis/Treaty and his work reflects a deep connection to his cultural roots and the natural world. For over 30 years, Robert has dedicated himself to carving, using his art as a way to explore identity, tradition and spiritual connection to the land. Through his carvings, Robert expresses stories that are grounded in Indigenous perspectives, honouring the relationship between people, animals and nature. His work is both personal and cultural, an ongoing journey of rediscovery and belonging, driven by a lifelong search for identity.

Robert has found meaning and purpose in his art. Today, his carvings stand as a reflection of that journey, sharing the beauty, resilience and world view of his people.