Seventh grader, Naomi Millier has been interested in art since she was three years old, having one of her pieces selected for a district wide show in grade one and winning a certificate for another in grade two. But humble about her abilities, Naomi had no idea when she entered the National Native Youth Art Contest that she would take first place, not just once, but two years in a row.
The National Native Art Contest, sponsored by Peace Hills Trust bank, based in Edmonton, has helped promote Native artists since 1982. Submissions are accepted until September every year and awards are announced in October. Naomi’s watercolor pencil drawing of her great grandmother was the first place winner (for youth aged 10-13) in 2006, when she was just ten years old. Her unique 3-D acrylic piece of a bear was the winner in the same category this past fall.
“I like looking at things [and] being inspired by things.” said Naomi about the subjects she portrays in her art. When asked her reaction about the news of her 2006 award she said, “I was really happy, because it was the first prize that I ever won.” Each of Naomi’s awards have included a certificate as well as a cash prize of $150.
“We were very proud of her and excited,” said her mother Jessica Millier about both times she and her husband Merl heard their daughter had won first place. “She was surprised both years, she didn’t think she would win,” said Ms. Millier, “but I think [being artistic] is natural for her, almost a natural ability.”
“Probably part of the reason she strives for excellence is because of her [Baha’i] upbringing,” said Ms. Millier. “We encourage her to do her very best…Striving for excellence is one of the things we encourage our children in.”
Though Naomi has had art lessons in years past, it is clear that both her winning pieces have been the result of personal initiative. Highlighting Naomi’s willingness to experiment with mixed media, her winning piece in 2007, depicting a bear lying in a field of daisies, included 3-D elements like hair from a wig and felt, in addition to acrylic paint.
Her photorealistic rendering which won the 2006 national award was inspired by the picture which Naomi’s father brought back from his grandmother’s funeral that year. The piece bears the name of her Native great-grandmother: Eva Fourhorns.
Naomi’s aboriginal heritage traces back through her father’s side of the family. Mr. Millier is a member of the Peigan Nation and Blackfoot Tribe. Aboriginal themes have figured prominently in much of Naomi’s art. Said Naomi, “I like drawing animals. Even when I was really little I used to do native animals, like eagles and bears.” Her mother, has also seen her attempt pictures similar to Haida art, using native animals with stylized shapes inside of them.
But the other thing which is striking about Naomi as an artist, is how willing she is to be of service with her art. Said Ms. Millier, “She’s often called upon to do things with the younger children in the community.”
Every second week she shares her enthusiasm for art by leading craft workshops for those attending the Baha’i children’s class held in her home. “The little kids look up to her. She loves to help them with their crafts and she’s really good with them,” said Naomi’s mother.
In the larger community too, “everybody calls upon her…even in her own school,” said Ms. Millier. The creators of the school play for Naomi’s 800-student school once asked her to make many of the props and sets for the play, not only because of her talent, but because they knew they could depend on her.
When asked about her future plans, Naomi listed three: to take formal art lessons again, to pursue future work in painting, and of course, to keep entering the National Native Art Contest every year.