A local artist has been chosen by a new company to have his design sold on t-shirts and hoodies across the country.
Kory Parkin, a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, is working with Indigenous Proud, a company that works with Indigenous artists to showcase their work.
Parkin says friends and family suggested he send some designs to a logo competition the B.C. company was holding.
They contacted him within a week.
“I was just overwhelmed with, like, they were just so supportive and loved my work and wanted to work with me. So since then I’ve been working directly with the Indigenous Proud label and I, just so excited with how supportive this family is and how much they really want to tell my story and get my stuff out there.”
Indigenous Proud launched its clothing line, to be sold in stores and online through Walmart to coincide with Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.
“They chose one of my logos with my turtle design and they have decided to go with, for t-shirts, on a grey t-shirt and then they’re offering a black hoodie as well.”
Royalties from the line will support Indigenous-led efforts to recover, reclaim, and revitalize Indigenous culture, language, and arts.
Parkin, who also incorporates many sports teams designs into his paintings, says he hopes to be able to share some other news about collaborations with some Toronto clubs soon.
See more of Parkin’s art through his Facebook page, Paints by Parkin and learn more about Indigenous Proud here.
