Article 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
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″ Featured on page 12 of Alberta Native News – January 2025
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.
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.
“Bison in the Mountains” by Bill Roy ink on paper 8.5″x 11″
“Bison in the Mountains” Original Illustration by Bill Roy 2024 This is the original illustration, not a print or reproduction. Featured on page 10 of Alberta Native News – December 2024 Unframed
“Butterfly Owl” by Bill Roy ink on paper 8.5″x 11″
“Butterfly Owl” Original Illustration by Bill Roy 2024 This is the original illustration, not a print or reproduction. Featured on page 2 of Alberta Native News – November 2024 Unframed
“Dreamcatcher” by Bill Roy ink on paper 8.5″x 11″
“Dreamcatcher” Original Illustration by Bill Roy This is the original illustration, not a print or reproduction. Unframed Featured on page 6 of Alberta Native News – August 2024