DebraAnnPine

Debra Ann Pine

She-Shuggia (Blue Huron Crane)

Ojibway

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Debra Ann Pine was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and graduated from Sault Ste. Marie High School in 1986. First, second, and third place awards in the drawing category of the Institute of American Indian Arts National High School At competition led to a scholarship at the institute. After receiving an associate's degree in three-dimensional art and the institute's prestigious Helen Hardin Memorial Award upon graduation, she returned to Sault Ste. Marie. In November 1993, Pine was selected by the U.S. Military to represent the United States in Europe during Native American Month. She toured Germany, Belgium, and Austria with other Native American artists and dancers.

Because Pine comes from a family that actively maintains Ojibway cultural traditions, it is no surprise that her art draws on her Indian heritage. Traditional Woodland Indian themes, floral beadwork patterns, pictograph images, subjects from Ojibway mythology, and her experiences with everyday life form the basis for her designs. Her work relies on the indigenous metals silver and copper of her home in the Lake Superior basin. These influences merge with her professional training and awareness of international design, resulting in one-of-a-kind jewelry creations.

Pine continues to be involved in a variety of traditional and modern spheres of activity: she participates as a dancer in regional pow wows and, as a maker of fine jewelry, is represented by six galleries in the Great Lakes area.

From Sisters of the Great Lakes: Art of American Indian Women

Re-written by C. Spaniola May 2001



	Debra Ann Pine She-Shuggia (Blue Huron Crane) Ojibway Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

		Debra Ann Pine was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and graduated from Sault Ste. Marie High School in 1986. First, second, and third place awards in the drawing category of the Institute of American Indian Arts National High School At competition led to a scholarship at the institute. After receiving an associate's degree in three-dimensional art and the institute's prestigious Helen Hardin Memorial Award upon graduation, she returned to Sault Ste. Marie. In November 1993, Pine was selected by the U.S. Military to represent the United States in Europe during Native American Month. She toured Germany, Belgium, and Austria with other Native American artists and dancers. Because Pine comes from a family that actively maintains Ojibway cultural traditions, it is no surprise that her art draws on her Indian heritage. Traditional Woodland Indian themes, floral beadwork patterns, pictograph images, subjects from Ojibway mythology, and her experiences with everyday life form the basis for her designs. Her work relies on the indigenous metals silver and copper of her home in the Lake Superior basin. These influences merge with her professional training and awareness of international design, resulting in one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. Pine continues to be involved in a variety of traditional and modern spheres of activity: she participates as a dancer in regional pow wows and, as a maker of fine jewelry, is represented by six galleries in the Great Lakes area. From Sisters of the Great Lakes: Art of American Indian Women Re-written by C. Spaniola May 2001