Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

RANKIN INLET - A few years ago when Andrea Duffy wanted to start painting, she turned to the hamlet of Rankin Inlet to get some money for paints and paintbrushes.

Five years later, Duffy has turned her heart's desire to paint into a successful career.

Duffy previously worked as an artist selling wall hangings.

Duffy heard about grants through the community's sustainable livelihood fund as she became interested in painting.

She applied, and was happy to receive enough money to buy all the supplies she needed.

"I just wanted to paint, so I got this grant and just spent the money on all these paints, brushes, and canvases," said Duffy.

Duffy is now putting the finished touches on a piece standing 9' x 14' tall commissioned by the Nunasi Corporation. The piece will be featured along with a wall painting by Eli Nasogaluak in Yellowknife as Nunasi celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Duffy has sold several paintings in addition to her wall-hangings and black and white pieces. She has also painted two murals for the Tittaq office.

As her career grows, Duffy wants to get the message out that there is help for aspiring artists.

"I just want to let other artists out there know there's money out there," said Duffy.

Being able to buy all the paints and paintbrushes at once helped her get started doing quality art work right away.

Charlotte Hickes, economic development officer for the hamlet, said stories like Duffy's are proving the success of the sustainable livelihood fund.

The fund provides grants of $5,000 or less to artists or small businesses that need a little help to get their ideas started.

Aboriginal-specific, the grants can be used for sculpture and paint supplies for artists, or office equipment for someone looking to start up a home business.

"It gets them started, and we hope that they can self-sustain themselves from there," said Hickes.

She said they get between 30 and 40 applicants a year looking to start up a business.

The project is similar to micro-credit - small loans issued in developing countries to help kick-start economies from within.

As for Duffy's success, Hickes said she is impressed with what the artist has accomplished.

"Not a lot of people are in this medium," said Hickes.

"It's nice to see someone working in that area. It shows what kind of artistic abilities are in our community."