Phoebe Riel Hanuse
I am a Kwakwaka’wakw and Ojibwe illustrator and visual storyteller based in Calgary/Mohkinstsis. My practice is rooted in honouring both my cultural heritage and my inner child, blending Indigenous storytelling traditions with contemporary illustration. I work primarily in a warm, painterly children’s book style that is whimsical, textured, and accessible to audiences of all ages.
My illustrations often explore connections between people, land, and stories, weaving together themes of identity, memory, and intergenerational knowledge. I draw inspiration from the natural world, childhood imagination, and the strength of Indigenous women and youth. My work frequently integrates cultural symbols and narratives, while always centering respect for community and the importance of representation.
As an artist, I am passionate about creating work that exists both within public spaces and personal spaces. My portfolio includes children’s book illustrations, community-driven public art projects, posters, and gallery work. Notable projects include my Elder Portrait series at AUArts, the Art Bus 2024 wrap design honouring Indigenous stories, and upcoming children’s books. Across all of these, my goal is to make art that is welcoming, imaginative, and meaningful.
Beyond my studio, I am deeply invested in fostering creativity and connection. I have worked with schools, libraries, and various community groups to encourage young people, especially Indigenous youth, to see storytelling as a powerful tool for self-expression and cultural continuity. My practice is as much about building relationships as it is about creating illustrations: it is about honouring the past, engaging with the present, and dreaming toward the future.
At its core, my artistic practice is about bridging worlds, between traditions and contemporary design, between children and adults, between imagination and lived experience. Through illustration, I hope to create spaces where viewers feel both seen and inspired, and where stories can continue to grow.
