Artist Statement

My work is drawn from my experience as an African Nova Scotian woman growing up in the province's black communities. I take a great deal of pride in where I’m from and through my work, I want to show my people as they are, not as they appear to be. I want them to see themselves and to be seen. My work has been a way for me to explore my culture, and dig deep into the traditions and superstitions from my community.

I use, used fabrics in connection to the resourceful way my grandmother, Rosella “Mommay” Fraser, made quilts for her family. My Grandmothers quilting, to me, was survival for my family. It was less about decoration, and more about warmth and protecting those close to you. Her quilts, as well as the African American Gee’s Bend Quilters greatly influenced my quilts. My goal is to nurture my family traditions, honoring those before me in the process. The figures painted in my works are just a few members of my large family from the community of North Preston, they continue to serve as a large source of inspiration and motivation.

Biography

Letitia Fraser is an Interdisciplinary artist, with a focus in painting and textile. Born and raised in Halifax Nova Scotia. Letitia is also a proud descendant of North Preston. Coming from a long line of Artists. Her artistic interest was shown early in life. Her interest matured during her high school years driving her desire to continue to NSCAD, where she is a recent graduate with a BFA in interdisciplinary. Fraser’s work centers around her experience as an African Nova Scotian woman growing up in the province’s black communities. As a painter, Letitia draws inspiration from her family and community’s history of quilting.

Her artwork has been featured in exhibits at the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia, the Freedom Festival Art Exhibit coordinated by the African Nova Scotian Music Association; and several exhibits by the Black Artist Network of Nova Scotia (2014-2019). In 2011, she illustrated images for “The Journey Continues; An Atlantic Canada Black experience.” Written by Craig M. Smith. In 2018, Letitia had the opportunity to have her artwork published alongside other women in Understorey Magazines 12th issue dedicated to African Nova Scotian Women. She was also given the Nova Scotia Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship and the 2018 RBC Emerging Artist Award from Nova Scotia Talent Trust. Fraser has participated in several group shows and has recently shown her work in solo exhibitions at the Anna Leonowens Gallery, titled Mommay’s Patches: Traditions & Superstitions, and MSVU Art Gallery. Most recently, Fraser participated in the residency Ground Rules at the Cape Breton Centre for Crafts and Design, NS. Fraser continues her practice in Halifax, NS.