Leukemia claims young Saskatchewan artist

Saskatchewan artist John Henry Fine Day has passed away at the young age of 32. Diagnosed with leukemia five years ago, Fine Day built a significant amount of work during his illness, even undertaking the strenuous effort of preparing for exhibition at several shows.

A member of Sweetgrass First Nation, Fine Day was born on August 6, 1974 in Regina. From an early age he showed an interest in all things artistic, whether it was play dough, LEGO, skateboarding or music.

"He was a marvellous painter and I was pleased to display his sculptures and carvings," said Meagan Perreault, owner and director of Nouveau Gallery in Regina.

Perreault had become a personal friend of the young Cree man and his family over the years of their association. "I visited him at his home the past few weeks as his illness worsened. Up until the last, he was trying to complete pieces of work for an exhibition in November," she said.

Fine Day graduated from Saskatchewan's First Nations University of Canada in 2004 with a bachelor degree in fine arts, specializing in sculpture. He was asked to exhibit solo shows and several group shows even before he graduated. One of his most impressive commissions was the carved wooden entrance doors to the ceremonial room at the university's Regina campus, a project he designed himself.

"He loved to take something that had once had life and bring it back," said Perreault. "For example, he used moose and deer hide to create phenomenal animal sculptures. Dogs were his favourite but he also made horses and rabbits and wolves from the rawhide."

While still in hospital following a bone marrow transplant some time ago, the indomitable artist created a piece which signified the circle of life- being born, living and dying. "This was typical of him. No matter how he was feeling he always found the strength to create something meaningful. Art was so much a part of him that working at his craft actually gave him something to look forward to and kept him going through some rough times during his illness."

His wife Stephanie and beloved son Nikosis continued to inspire him as well. "His eyes just lit up when he saw them and there was definitely a very special relationship between husband and wife. Words can't describe how sweet it was," said Perreault. She says she has been flooded with e-mails and phone calls from people who are shocked and devastated by Fine Day's death, some who had only met him once, others who were long-time friends.

Fine Day wanted to ensure all Aboriginal artists were provided with the space and environment that would allow them to develop their artistic practices and was a member of Sakewewak First Nations Artists Collective in Regina, which has played an important role in assisting working artists in developing projects and accomplishing their artistic goals.

"He was always considerate of other people and very respectful, never inconveniencing anyone and encouraging and thinking of others, Perreault said.

Following a memorial service on Dec. 2, a retrospective of Fine Day's art was held at the Nouveau Gallery. Current works of Fine Day that the gallery had on display as well as pieces donated for the day by collectors, family members, and friends were viewed.

"It included some of his earliest pieces plus those which were intended for his upcoming show that he never lived to see," said Meagan Perreault.

John Henry Fine Day leaves to mourn his death his wife Stephanie and his son Nikosis, his father, grandmother and siblings. He will be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit and for his inspiring art work and will live on in the many pieces of art he created, now scattered across the country in homes, offices and galleries.

"It's a huge loss for the art world," Perreault said. "He was an amazing person who created amazing art work and he is irreplaceable."