EMERGING ARTISTS
Jamii's
RBC Emerging Artist Program
KURRI QUILL, PHOTOGRAPHY
LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII
My name is Kurri Quill. I am from Pikangikum First Nation. I am a self-taught photographer and have been doing photography for 4 years now. I remember buying a canvas with a local photographer’s picture on it, I was blown away and felt so inspired. The picture was so beautiful and thought to myself, “I should get my photos out there too.”
One of my biggest inspirations is Denzel Quill, a photographer from Pikangikum. He is extremely talented and has a unique perspective on nature that I find really compelling. His work has really inspired me to explore my own creativity and vision behind the lens. My first camera was a Canon 90D and it came with a kit lens that I’ve been using ever since. My love for photography grew the more I took photos of every little thing. I made sure I had my camera with me wherever I went as I didn’t want to miss that opportunity. Photography helped me notice and appreciate the small details of everyday objects and plants that I overlooked before; the way light hits a leaf or the texture of a flower petal. It opened my eyes. It was like seeing the world for the first time.
My first paid photo project was a wedding. I was kind of struggling a little bit because I only had a kit lens that made it difficult for me to shoot in low light environment but I made it work. I’ve spent countless hours watching YouTube videos to develop my own style. While I don’t have formal training, I’m proud of the skills I’ve built and the creative journey I’ve been on. I’ve practiced a wide range of photography techniques and styles, from portrait and landscape to sports and wildlife photography. Photography taught me to appreciate life’s small moments.
This photo exhibit is important to me because it allows me to connect with diverse stories and experiences, promoting empathy and understanding through powerful visual narratives. To see the world in new ways, and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of human experience. By sharing these photos, we can build bridges of understanding and foster a more compassionate and connected world.
KURRI QUILL:
Kurri Quill is a self-taught photographer from Pikangikum First Nation. Inspired by the work of local artists and the beauty of the natural world, he first picked up a camera to share his own perspective through images. He is drawn to capturing the small details that often go unnoticed — the way light falls on a leaf or the texture of a flower petal — and believes photography is a way to see the world anew. Kurri’s practice spans portraits, landscapes, sports, and wildlife, shaped by dedicated self-learning and an eagerness to grow his creative vision. Through his work, he hopes to connect people with diverse stories and encourage a deeper appreciation for everyday moments and shared human experience.
FUNDERS:
