You might not recognize Clinton Minault, but if you’ve spent time walking around campus, you probably know his work. The Bachelor of Fine Arts student’s work – from a unique textured bear painting hanging in kihêw waciston to a massive moose in the library – carries a hidden, yet powerful message.

Under its surface, the bear painting tells a story based around the materials used in its creation. Minault began by weaving together recycled materials and bits of used canvas in layers to cover up an old piece. “As an art student, I’m painting a lot of stuff that’s not necessarily successful. This was a way to add a lot of texture and cover up previous work. And it also tells a story about society’s wastefulness and how it’s possible to create out of nothing.”

He says that artists sometimes suffer from material anxiety, where the cost of art supplies makes creators feel pressured to do something worthwhile with them. Reusing old materials or scraps that might otherwise be destined for the recycling bin, Minault says, reduces that cost and anxiety.

“When you have access to free materials, you have the freedom to fully explore,” he explains. “If you have strips of old clothes and shopping bags and whatever, you can do whatever with them without being worried about producing something expensive.”

That is the origin story of the bear painting Minault says is a symbol of strength. He offered it to kihêw waciston in a gesture of thanks after receiving a warm welcome.

“They’re really like a family here,” says Minault. “It’s just nice to know that it’s appreciated, and I get a lot of positive feedback on it.”

Bruce the Moose, located near the southwest entrance of the library, was made of wood veneer strips – remnants from a local door factory. Bruce the Moose was originally created for the 2025 Personal Agenda Exhibit, but will be staying in the MacEwan Library for the time being.   

Minault is continuing to build massive works of art. He’s currently working on a buffalo sculpture with a built-in bench for this year’s festival. But in the future, once he’s pursued his master’s degree, he’s considering teaching art on top of his personal creative work.

“I volunteer a lot with the Art Gallery of Alberta, doing Art Cart and assisting in teaching art classes,” he explains. “I’m finding a lot of enjoyment in it.”

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