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Artwork by Eskasoni man en route to California set of critically-acclaimed sitcom
Rutherford Falls set in small town bordering a Native American reservation
Ardelle Reynolds · Multimedia journalist | Posted: Jan. 13, 2022, 2:04 p.m. | Updated: Jan. 13, 2022, 5 p.m. | 5 Min Read
Eskasoni woodworker Stephen Francis used his passion for math to create these intricate Mi'kmaw eight-point stars. A piece similar to the one he is holding here is on its way to California, where it will make an appearance in an upcoming episode of the sitcom Rutherford Falls starring Ed Helms. ARDELLE REYNOLDS/CAPE BRETON POST - Ardelle Reynolds
ESKASONI, N.S. — A piece of art created by Mi'kmaw artist Stephen Francis is on its way to California to make an appearance in the critically-acclaimed new sitcom, Rutherford Falls.
Francis, who comes from a family of woodworkers from Eskasoni First Nation, was contacted at the beginning of the new year by the show's set decorator, Kimberly Wannop.
She told him she had seen photos of his intricate wooden eight-pointed stars online and requested to purchase one to be used on an upcoming episode of the comedy series for the U.S. streaming service Peacock.
"I'm really excited to see it," Francis said.
"Basically, it's going to be in the guy's apartment, so you'll be able to see it right there, so yeah, it's going to be amazing."
Rutherford Falls was co-created by comedian Ed Helms (The Daily Show, The Office), Michael Schur (The Good Place, Parks and Recreation), and Sierra Teller Ornelas (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Superstore). The first 10-episode season was released in 2021 and was renewed for a second series, which is currently in production in Los Angeles.
The comedy, set in a small town bordering a Native American reservation, has gained attention for the Indigenous talent in front of the camera and behind the scenes, including Ornelas, who is Navajo from Arizona. Half of the staff writers are Indigenous and artists such as Ottawa-based hip-hop electronic group Halluci Nation are showcased.
"The idea came in a dream – it represents who I am." — Stephen Francis
For Francis, who spends 10 hours on each eight-pointed star he creates, the message from Wannop came as a pleasant surprise.
"The rush was on because she wanted it for Monday, but when I went to send it in the box I built to protect it, it weighed more than 60 pounds, so I brought it back and re-packaged it with a smaller box and more bubble wrap and with the snowstorm I thought, there's no way I could get it there for Monday, but, luckily, she said they were delayed because of COVID-19, so to still send it," he said.
A reproduction of an original petroglyph located in Bedford can be seen at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys on Goat Island. The eight-pointed star is an important image in Mi'kmaw culture and is the basis for Stephen Francis's artwork. ARDELLE REYNOLDS/CAPE BRETON POST - Ardelle Reynolds
The eight-pointed star is an important image in Mi'kmaw culture, appearing in petroglyphs in Bedford, N.S., estimated to be more than 500 years old and often interpreted to represent the sun and the eight districts of Mi'kma'ki.
Francis sees each small wooden section of his stars, which vary in size and colours, as representing people in his life that have influenced him.
"The idea came in a dream – it represents who I am. There's my grandmother, my mother, they're closest to the centre, and then other family and people in the community that I learned from, good or bad," he said.
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That was almost 15 years ago. That first creation is now on display at the Membertou Heritage Park. He created the second for the band office in Eskasoni and has been making them as a hobby ever since.
"They're really popular," he said.
"Really, they're a labour of love."
Wannop, who previously worked on shows such as Veep, The Good Place, and Bones, said Francis's unique pieces stood out for her as she was looking for authentic Indigenous art for the set.
"I always look for independent artists to highlight because the exposure can be really helpful," Wannop said.
"I don't edit the show, so it might go by in the blink of an eye, but, still, your work has appeared on a TV show and I think that does say something to your work, that it was good enough to be selected for this."
The official release date for the second season of Rutherford Falls has not yet been announced.
Ardelle Reynolds is an Indigenous affairs reporter with the Cape Breton Post.
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