Sharifah Marsden
Sharifah Marsden is an Anishinaabe visual artist, jeweller, and educator known for large-scale public murals, fine jewelry, and mixed media works rooted in Anishinaabe teachings and Woodland style.
Trained from a young age in jingle dress and fancy dance, Sharifah also brings traditional knowledge of beadwork, leatherwork, and powwow regalia into her visual art practice. These influences can be seen in the vibrant beadwork patterns, feathers, and floral and geometric designs present throughout her murals, paintings, and jewellery.
Her artistic vision is grounded in the values of healing, visibility, and intergenerational connection.
Custom Gold
"Sharifah brings the same depth of spirit and precision found in her artwork to her custom goldsmithing practice. Each piece is designed with intention, blending traditional Indigenous symbolism, natural forms, and fine metalwork techniques."
Chief Kwe Dancing
She is kwe, she is also Chief of her people and she is dancing in celebration and ceremony.
She dances for the MMIW2S, she dances for her people, she dances for her ancestors, she dances for her descendants and she dances for those who cannot dance.
She is celebrating her life and her culture. She is matching the beat of the drum and the melodies of the the singers and song with each step.
Murals are a form of public medicine and a cornerstone of my art practise.
My art practise is inspired by my traditional Anishinaabe teachings and the Woodland Style, where line-work is not decorative but meaningful, representing connection, continuity, and the relationships between all living things.
Heartberry Gatherers
In Anishinaabe culture, Ode’imin (strawberries) are known as the heartberry and are central to ceremonies, renewal, and family.
Women and children gather, sharing teachings, love, and connection. Gathering strengthens ourselves, our families, and our community, celebrating the closeness at the heart of our culture.
The Original Painting is located in The University Of British Columbia Surgical Wing, this is the first image patients see when the doors open and they are wheeled into surgery.
5'x7' Acrylic On Canvas
Silver Line
My silver line is based on my original hand-engraved designs. I created this collection so others can share in pieces that have held deep meaning for me. Each design carries a story: the wisdom of the turtle, the happiness of the heartberry...
Crafted in small batches at an Indigenous-owned Vancouver studio, I work alongside skilled makers to translate my designs into silver using precision laser techniques, preserving each line with exceptional clarity and detail.
“SHARIFAH’S WORK IS COMPLETELY UNIQUE”
“She uses Northwest Coast engraving techniques to depict symbols and motifs from her Anishinaabe heritage.”
-Peter Lattimer Lattimer Gallery Vancouver, BC
Browse Traditional ArtsMiigwetch
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