Garnet Tobacco

Cree Nation

Garnet Tobacco was born on February 6th, 1964 in The Pas, Manitoba that is a short distance from Winnipeg. His tribal affiliation is Cree and he takes the Buffalo as his family crest symbol.

Garnet has been painting for over twenty years and occasionally embarks on carving soapstone. He apprenticed under a prominent artist who since passed away by the name of Isaac Bignell. His style and form greatly influenced Garnet who is preserving it to this day. Fluid lines, soft earthy tones in a simplistic background are all characteristics that have attracted many collectors to this Cree art form. The animals that are depicted are those common to the plains region such as bison, herons, eagles, and hawks.

Garnet is a prolific artist who only creates original works. His friendship with his teacher, Isaac Bignell, was something he treasured, so preserving Isaac’s style keeps his identity alive for many to understand and collect.