Artwork

Don Twigg Painting

Don Twigg was born in Cardston, Alberta on October 17, 1958. He was a gifted artist who found inspiration from his father Donald Big Swallow Sr. As a child, he learned from watching his father draw old native and western art. Don developed a very unique style with skill and detail in acrylic, ink and oil painting and was mentored by the late Everett Soop and Glen Eagle Speaker who were also well-known artists from the Blood reserve. He spent a lifetime honing other skills of expression of Native art in woodwork, carving and logo design. Don’s work was always utilized since he captured the true essence of Blackfoot history and contemporary life depicting his culture to the public visual eye. His work has been published in many publications, programs, newspapers, and seen as landmarks on public building walls/spaces and the Kainai High School Gymnasium floor. He was also commissioned on countless art projects including the prestigious showing of Blackfoot Skies at the Calgary Planetarium Science Centre. Many of his works are owned by private and corporate collections throughout Canada and the United States. He has been the recipient of many awards and has been commissioned to do many works including logos and art templates for many departments and organizations throughout the Aboriginal community. He will be remembered for the legacy which he will leave with his people the Bloods, as a fine artist in visual arts. Don Twigg passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta on February 14, 2008, at the age of 49 years old.