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Birch Bark Biting is one of the oldest aboriginal art forms.
It is done by seperating pieces of birch bark and folding it two or more times.
You place the bark between your teeth visualizing what you want to create. You
begin biting while rotating it with your hand. Originally, birch bark biting was
a form of competition, to see who would create the most elaborate designs. Later
they were also used for beadwork and silk embroidery patterns. Pat goes through
10 or more stages to complete one piece.
Pat was born in Churchill, Manitoba. She is Metis and the mother of 5 children.
She lives on Mosakahiken Cree Nation Reserve, Manitoba. Her interest in art began
at an early age. Her mentor was her mother.
She believes birch bark biting has many teachings; patience, respect, kindness,
creativity, medicine, imagination, and sharing. Birch bark bitings are like people.
No two are the same and every one is special and beautiful in their own way. She
strongly believes that aboriginal people should strive to maintain their traditional
art forms.
Half Moon's Birch Bark Bitings are featured by the
Birchwood Art Gallery and come in many shapes and sizes. Standalone peices start
at just $20 each. Birch bark bitings can also be mounted in various items such as;
coffee tables, cabinet doors, and can also be surface mounted or mounted between two
pieces of glass and hung in front of a window.
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