Bill Roy FullArticle and photos by John Copley and Alberta Native News

(From the Alberta Native News collection) – Bill Roy is a talented 52 year old Saskatchewan-born, Métis artist whose art ranges from whimsical to dark and from simplistic to complex reflecting his many layers of emotions and experiences. Roy has a past to overcome and future that has no limit. “I discovered my artistic ability with a crayola crayon and a clean kitchen wall when I was just five years old,” explained Roy. “I guess I’ve pretty much had a pen or pencil or paintbrush in my hand ever since. I know that my work is appreciated in some circles and though some have said they find it a bit dark, there is the lighter side that keeps me prodding forward, seeking a path to a better way of life that includes my children, my culture and my freedom.”

Roy’s family, like so many other Aboriginal families in Canada, has been severely affected by the Indian Residential School era, and over the years he made a lot of bad choices. But he has worked hard to turn his life around and control his demons; his art has been a stabilizing factor. Whether he’s creating a wall size mural or a small logo or over 15 years worth of cultural illustrations in Alberta Native News, Bill Roy lets his imagination soar in his art.

Bill Roy’s Art

Cold Old Owl Greeting Card – Bill Roy
Cold Old Owl Greeting Card – Bill Roy

Cold Old Owl Greeting Card features artwork by Bill Roy The Card is blank on the inside and comes with a blank envelope Measures 7″ x 4.5″

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Moonsong Greeting Card – Bill Roy
Moonsong Greeting Card – Bill Roy

Moonsong Greeting Card features artwork by Bill Roy The Card is blank on the inside and comes with a blank envelope Measures 5.5″ x 5.5″

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Rabbit Greeting Card – Bill Roy
Rabbit Greeting Card – Bill Roy

$5 Rabbit Greeting Card features artwork by Bill Roy The Card is blank on the inside and comes with a blank envelope Measures 5.5″ x 5.5″

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Raven Drummer Greeting Card – Bill Roy
Raven Drummer Greeting Card – Bill Roy

Raven Drummer Greeting Card features artwork by Bill Roy The Card is blank on the inside and comes with a blank envelope Measures 7″ x 4.5″

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Red Eagles Greeting Card – Bill Roy
Red Eagles Greeting Card – Bill Roy

Red Eagles Greeting Card features artwork by Bill Roy The Card is blank on the inside and comes with a blank envelope Measures 5.5″ x 5.5″

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Shield Greeting Card – Bill Roy
Shield Greeting Card – Bill Roy

Shield Greeting Card features artwork by Bill Roy The Card is blank on the inside and comes with a blank envelope Measures 7″ x 4.5″

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Spring Greeting Card – Bill Roy
Spring Greeting Card – Bill Roy

Spring Greeting Card features artwork by Bill Roy The Card is blank on the inside and comes with a blank envelope Measures 7″ x 4.5″

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Thunderbird Greeting Card – Bill Roy
Thunderbird Greeting Card – Bill Roy

Thunderbird Greeting Card features artwork by Bill Roy The Card is blank on the inside and comes with a blank envelope Measures 5.5″ x 5.5″

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Turtle Greeting Card – Bill Roy
Turtle Greeting Card – Bill Roy

Turtle Greeting Card features artwork by Bill Roy The Card is blank on the inside and comes with a blank envelope Measures 5.5″ x 5.5″

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A Bear’s Life by Bill Roy ink on paper  8.5″x 11″
A Bear’s Life by Bill Roy ink on paper 8.5″x 11″

A Bear’s Life by Bill Roy ink on paper  8.5″x 11″ Unframed.  

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Baby Catcher (from the Western Native News Collection) by Bill Roy ink on paper  8.5″x 11″
Baby Catcher (from the Western Native News Collection) by Bill Roy ink on paper 8.5″x 11″

Baby Catcher (from the Western Native News Collection) by Bill Roy ink on paper  8.5″x 11″ Unframed.  

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Bark at the Moon by Bill Roy ink on paper  8.5″x 11″
Bark at the Moon by Bill Roy ink on paper 8.5″x 11″

Bark at the Moon by Bill Roy ink on paper  8.5″x 11″ Unframed.  

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