EDMONTON, AB | Of Russian-Canadian and Apache descent, Veran Pardeahtan grew up on the San Carlos Reservation in the Chirichua Mountains of Arizona. He later came to Canada to live with his mother and, together, they traveled extensively. After five years in the Canadian Armed Forces (Special Service Force), he left the service in 1989 to pursue formal artistic training and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education and later a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Concordia University in Montreal, PQ. As a student, he received numerous awards for his artistic and academic achievement. In 1995, he had an artist residency at the Banff Centre (now the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity).
His Apache heritage has significantly influenced his values and artwork. Veran's images are derived from a traditionalist base, but he brings Native art and imagery into the 21st century. Significant in Veran's art is his use of the four colours of the four peoples of the earth. The intent behind his art is to promote harmony among the peoples of the world. Pardeahtan's professional artistic activities have spanned two decades and include sculpture, painting and pottery. His work has been displayed in more than 40 local, national and international exhibitions and is included in numerous private collections. Veran has taught art in community centres, high schools and university settings. He has lectured extensively on learning disabilities and is a strong advocate for the needs of learning disabled students and adults across Canada.
