Isaac Bignell was a Cree painter, born on the Pas Reserve, 400 miles north of Winnipeg in Manitoba. Isaac moved to Winnipeg, then to Minneapolis and later to Vancouver.
Outside of a few art classes, Isaac was a self taught painter who developed his own style of sponge painting, of wildlife images distinguished by flowing lines.

  "My art is strongly influenced by the traditional ways of my people. I was brought up to live off the land at an early age. Hunting and trapping, living in harmony with the earth has taught me to respect the animals and the spirit and power of nature. I hoop dance and sing Pow Wows to maintain my cultural heritage. Through art and dancing I attempt to influence native people to continue their cultural ways; The gift that was given to us by the great spirit."