Eagle Pod Gallery inspired by nature Fine Arts
By Janet Jarrell
David
R. Maracle,
also known in Mohawk as Tehanenia’kwe:tarons (Cutter of Stone), is a renowned stone carver whose work can be found across Canada and around the world, in prominent collections including those of Dan Ackryod, Loretta Lynn, the estate of the late Nelson Mandela and the Emperor of Japan. Maracle is also an accomplished musician with over 17 musical compilations and two gold albums. He has performed all over the world, including the opening ceremonies for the Olympics in Australia. His wife, Kimberly, is the Chief Guidance Officer for Native Expressions, and manages Maracle’s multi-faceted career behind the scenes.
Gail Pacquette Gail Pacquette
Pre-pandemic, Maracle enjoyed a busy music scene, travelling to Austria, Pakistan and Holland, performing live concerts 20
and traditional teaching workshops using flutes, drums and many other musical instruments. COVID-19 imposed a particularly difficult adjustment on performing artists prevented from live gigs. This has had significant financial implications and forced Maracle to consider alternative ways to earn a living. In the early days of lockdown, while taking time to recharge and regroup, the Maracles made a plan for a uniquely-designed pod gallery, created by the Algonquin Pod Company and funded by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. The Eagle Pod gallery is situated on the Maracle’s property in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, nestled along the shores of the beautiful Bay of Quinte. Maracle envisioned his stone carvings surrounded by nature and for the gallery to be full of natural and organic elements: wood, stone, bone.