Young artist is making her mark on the community

Jayda Delorme thinks big when it comes to sharing her culturally-infused art.

The multi-disciplinary artist completed her latest mural, on the side of the Salvation Army building in downtown, Regina is a fusion of culture with social initiatives.

“I want to create art that connects everyone,” said Delorme.

Although still young she’s spent years developing her own artistic style – an infusion of bright colours and bold designs rooted in her Indigeneity.

The Regina-based artist and member of Cowessess First Nation partnered with Better Bus Youth to create a large, public mural in Regina’s inner city to highlight the need to advance sustainability and climate action in Regina.

“With this mural, it demonstrates how all types of populations can benefit from accessible public transportation to rediscover the city,” Delorme said about her latest installation. “It’s an example of community care.”

The mural filled with vibrant colours, nature, and traditional imagery flowing around a city transit bus is is a perfect example of her artistic style.

The intricate and colourful piece was completed with help from youth volunteers and community members.

Better Bus Youth is a grassroots organization supporting investment into free public transit for youth under the age of 18.

This is the second collaboration Delorme has done with the group. The first piece was a mural at the Cornwall Centre in downtown Regina.

“We wanted to create something that tells a story but also shares my story as an Indigenous artist,” she said. “It’s not just me creating and designing a mural on my own. It’s volunteers from the community creating something special. It’s about us gathering together to make a vision come to life.”

Delorme’s mural work around Regina is just one of the many mediums on her palette.

She’s a painter, graphic designer, body painter, tattoo artist and dancer.

Delorme said her mom knew from a young age she would be an artist.

“I’ve been picking up different medium of art my entire life, as soon as I could hold a pencil,” she said.

Delorme draws her designs based on Indigenous art and storytelling. She grew up hearing traditional stories, being around ceremony, and dancing at powwow – all of which are infused into her art.

“Culture is always something I value and will continue to learn more about,” she said. “I typically create art that symbolizes the things that connect us – our land, water, and the living skies.”

Delorme’s art is not only splashed across Regina, but its taken her across the world.

In 2017, she participated in the World Bodypainting Festival in Austria, completing a full-body design over an entire day of painting.

She also works with youth, teaching powwow regalia making at the University of Regina.

“Working with youth is something I will continue doing my entire life,” she said. “As a visual artist, I think its very important to support community initiatives.”

Her passion for teaching is what led her to start collaborating with Better Bus Youth. Their newest mural was funded by the David Suzuki Foundation, allowing the artist to involve the community in its creation.

“It really explored a need here in Regina [and] people were behind it,” said Katie Wilson, member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, who was contracted by the David Suzuki Foundation to help organize the project.

Wilson said they also included vulnerable populations in Regina, inviting them to help paint the mural. The intimate connection with the community was a priority, said Wilson.

“My main hope is that youth will feel inspired and connected to come together,” said Wilson. “And start to understand more ways that they can use art to connect with each other and address big challenges.”

This project, and art in general, can have therapeutic effects on the community, said Delorme. She plans to continue to do both large scale murals, and personal mentorships in order to grow a more united and healthy community.

“Hopefully this inspires more Indigenous people to do these kinds of things – to learn and share so we can pass [these] down,” said Delorme. “Creating community spaces in art is important. It’s more special when you are able to do it with a group of people who are passionate about doing this kind of work.”