2024 Grad Show

Phoebe Riel

AUArts Grad Show IMG_5301

VCD – Character Design & Illustration

phoeberiel.com

Welcome to my portfolio! I'm Phoebe Riel, a Kwakwaka'wakw artist based in Calgary and a member of the ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation. I have Ojibway roots, with many close relatives, including my dad, being members of the Batchewana First Nation. I am deeply motivated by the power of visual storytelling, a craft passed down through my long line of Indigenous storytellers.

My artwork is a fusion of illustration and visual story development, drawing inspiration from my First Nation identity, childhood memories, and a love for the surreal. With a whimsically adorable yet uniquely odd style, my pieces often delve into themes of memory, childhood, and surrealism.
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As a toy collector and horror story enthusiast, my work is heavily influenced by these passions, infusing my visual style and narratives with elements that captivate and intrigue. Whether it's through the pages of a children's book or the panels of a horror visual novel, I'm always exploring new avenues of storytelling narratives that resonate.
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I'm always on the lookout for new opportunities and connections, so please don't hesitate to reach out!

THE DANCER - Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m In the heart of a grand potlatch ceremony, the talented young Kwakwaka'wakw dancer spins gracefully around the central fire. Her movements are a blend of tradition and personal expression, symbolizing the vibrant cultural heritage she embodies.
THE PLASTIC DOLL HAND - Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m A moment of pure horror: the dancer, now faced with the nightmarish reality of her transformation, holds up her hand in disbelief. Her scream pierces the air as she realizes her flesh has turned into cold, lifeless plastic. The terror in her eyes captures the profound trauma of losing her humanity.
THE METAMORPHOSIS- Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m Fleeing the potlatch, the dancer rushes towards the boating dock under a stormy sky. Rain and fog envelop her as she clutches her button blanket over her head, desperately trying to conceal her transforming body. The tempestuous weather mirrors her inner turmoil, emphasizing the intensity of her struggle.
THE DOLL/ METAMORPHOSIS COMPLETE - Busi-Buła At dawn, on a quiet beach, a young tourist girl stumbles upon the dancer's discarded button blanket. Beneath it, she finds a plastic doll with empty, haunting eyes – the final form of the once vibrant dancer. Unaware of the doll's true identity, the girl picks it up and carries it away, a silent witness to the dancer's tragic fate.

Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m - DOLL PARTS

Busi-Bula Gaganata'am is a Indigenous body horror about a talented young kwakwaka'wakw dancer who undergoes a terrifying metamorphosis into a plastic doll, unraveling the theme of trauma. Throughout my last semester I have been developing this story, mainly through storyboarding and creating a pitch package. These are four sequential illustrations from key moments of the dancer girl’s metamorphosis.

Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m - DOLL PARTS AUArts Grad Show Human_Form_Value_Comp_V5_(final)
THE DANCER - Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m In the heart of a grand potlatch ceremony, the talented young Kwakwaka'wakw dancer spins gracefully around the central fire. Her movements are a blend of tradition and personal expression, symbolizing the vibrant cultural heritage she embodies.
Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m - DOLL PARTS AUArts Grad Show Transformation_1_Final
THE PLASTIC DOLL HAND - Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m A moment of pure horror: the dancer, now faced with the nightmarish reality of her transformation, holds up her hand in disbelief. Her scream pierces the air as she realizes her flesh has turned into cold, lifeless plastic. The terror in her eyes captures the profound trauma of losing her humanity.
Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m - DOLL PARTS AUArts Grad Show Transformation_Final
THE METAMORPHOSIS- Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m Fleeing the potlatch, the dancer rushes towards the boating dock under a stormy sky. Rain and fog envelop her as she clutches her button blanket over her head, desperately trying to conceal her transforming body. The tempestuous weather mirrors her inner turmoil, emphasizing the intensity of her struggle.
Busi-Buła Gaga̲nała'a̲m - DOLL PARTS AUArts Grad Show Doll_Form_Value_Comp_V7_(final)
THE DOLL/ METAMORPHOSIS COMPLETE - Busi-Buła At dawn, on a quiet beach, a young tourist girl stumbles upon the dancer's discarded button blanket. Beneath it, she finds a plastic doll with empty, haunting eyes – the final form of the once vibrant dancer. Unaware of the doll's true identity, the girl picks it up and carries it away, a silent witness to the dancer's tragic fate.
Character line-up I ONEIRONAUT
Penelope Character design I ONEIRONAUT
Olive’s Doll-mobile I ONEIRONAUT
The Doll Maker - Character Design I ONEIRONAUT

ONEIRONAUT - Childern’s book story development

One of the projects I am most proud of is my development work on the storybook concept Oneironaut - A Dream Journey to the Land of the Dolls. This project was part of an assignment focused on creating concept drawings and finished artwork to propose either a Graphic Novel segment or a narrative section to a publisher, extending from prior Visual Dev Work.
In 'Oneironaut,' young Penelope's vivid imagination leads her on a fantastical journey through diverse dimensions within her dreams, where she, along with her stuffed sloth companion Loaf, and a ragdoll named Olive, confront the sinister Doll Maker, embarking on a quest that uncovers the transformative power of love, compassion, and friendship within the enchanting world of dreams.

ONEIRONAUT - Childern’s book story development AUArts Grad Show IMG_6668
Character line-up I ONEIRONAUT
ONEIRONAUT - Childern’s book story development AUArts Grad Show IMG_6669
Penelope Character design I ONEIRONAUT
ONEIRONAUT - Childern’s book story development AUArts Grad Show IMG_6667
Olive’s Doll-mobile I ONEIRONAUT
ONEIRONAUT - Childern’s book story development AUArts Grad Show 3_Portfolio_The_Doll_Maker_Charater_Design
The Doll Maker - Character Design I ONEIRONAUT

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