Melinda Shank Miles – Balance

Name: Melinda Shank-Miles

Paddle Title: Balance

Meaning of Paddle Design: The design depicts balance: the spirit of the moose harvest with respect to generations, sustenance for life given by the land. Rainbow trout fishing also to sustain life. Our relationship to the land is all about balance, sustainability and respect. The four directions and the four sacred medicines teaches us about balance and natural order. The bear paw refers to Bear Clan and healing, guidance, protection and medicine. The eagle feathers signify the teachings of our elders, ceremony and purity.

Short Artist Biography: Born in North Bay, Melinda studied art at the Dundas Valley School of art, Redeemer University and McMaster University. Achieved Dean’s list certificate in 2004 and completed BA in 2007. Melinda’s work has been exhibited in numerous galleries in Hamilton, Brampton and Bancroft Ontario at the James North Studio Gallery, Glenhust Gallery, at the Art Gallery of Bancroft for “Finding Critical Mass” an all Algonquin multidisciplinary show. Her work has been featured at three Hamilton art crawl and Melinda’s stories reflect in her art featured at “speak” at the stair case theatre also in Hamilton. Currently lives in Hamilton Ontario with her husband and children.