Shonta Kishiqweb (Campbell)

Boozhoo, Yáu! My name is Shonta Kishiqweb. I am 24 years old and identify as two spirit. On my maternal side of my family we are Anishinaabe. On my paternal side of my family we are Haíɫzaqv, Wuikinuxv and Saulteaux. My traditional last name, Kishiqweb derives from Lac des Mille Lac through my mother’s side of the family. I was born and currently reside in xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ which is now known as Vancouver, British Columbia. I am currently working and living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside- Strathcona neighborhood. I have been a Support Worker for Indigenous Women overcoming domestic and substance abuse in the Downtown Eastside for four years, and I have been a Peer Support Worker for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation in Yuustway- Community Health and Wellness for one year now. I stared this ‘small business’ in memory of my grandfather David “Bimbo” Martin after his passing and I am thankful for the opportunities it has brought me, he would be proud.

“The only artist to have done art on the exterior of a Skytrain for Translink”

David Martin (aka Bimbo)

Sunrise March 1st, 1954 - Sunset: June 10, 2022

David Mitchell Martin (aka Bimbo) was born to Donald Martin & Minnie Martin (nee Johnson). Bimbo was born and raised in his home community of Bella Bella until he relocated to Vancouver. He was a refined artist in coastal formline, carving and painting. David never forgot his home or his roots.

David had four children

(Alicia Star Peters, Kimberly Baptiste, Melissa Grandbois, and Joseph Walter Baptiste),

eight grandchildren

(Kasha Askin, Kyle Baptiste, Lavina Baptiste, Devon Kishiqweb, Eddie McNabb, Shonta Kishiqweb, Rosa Galati and Ceder Kishiqweb),

and three great grandchildren.

  • I began doing art as therapy when I was a child. It was when I was in highschool in a program called 8J9J that I learned most about the principles of art. In that program, the curriculum was focused on art and we participated in Emily Carr Designs Coastal Formline Lessons. In my personal time as well I worked on the development of my art. I focus now mainly on digitial art.

  • My main inspirations in creating art is my late friend Darius James Smallboy and my late grandfather David Martin. They were refined artists and it was not unnoticed by those they lived by. I’ve been thanful for the teachings they passed onto me as indigenous people, our art is deeply rooted in culture and identity. I’d like to make my community and loved ones proud, together we create our narrative. Nurturing our expressions of expierence is my goal, if that’s through Support Work or further means of connection such as art.

  • Yes, I do both. Commisions are based on time, size and cost of material/shipping if needed. There is custom designing available for clothing, prints, etc.

    Get in contact at; shonta.kishiqweb@gmail.com