Loretta Gould is a self-taught Mi'kmaq painter and quilter known for her vibrant use of colour and her distinctive Woodland-style art. Born and raised in Waycobah First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, she began her artistic career by making professional art quilts.
When her sewing machine broke in 2013, she transitioned to painting, quickly gaining recognition for her work. Her acrylic paintings are a way to express her spiritual feelings on canvas and are deeply inspired by Mi'kmaq traditions, stories, and teachings.
Her artwork has been exhibited across Nova Scotia and internationally, with a permanent display of her collection featured at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. She is committed to sharing her culture and has also illustrated bilingual children's books in Mi'kmaw and English.
