Transformation by Betty Albert

Cultural Background: Cree

Betty Albert-Licenz was adopted and raised by French Canadian parents in Northern Ontario. She spent time on Vancouver Island where both of her interests in art and spirituality surfaced. During the next twenty years, she worked with pen and ink, and improved her artistic techniques.

Circumstances eventually brought her back to her Native American father, discovering her birthright as a Cree. Betty then began an art business with her father called “Wabimeguil Art Studio,” which distributes art throughout North America. Like many Cree people, dreams play an important part of her life and her work. She discovered that her dream people were faceless and this is evident in some of her work. Her art allows the viewer to experience tradition, action, and a deep spirituality. Her use of vibrant acrylic colors begs us to view creation in a new way. Through her painting, “Wabimeguil (White Feather),” she expresses not only her own growth in spirituality, but also encourages people to experience “The Peace,” that she represents in her art.