This work displays my Indigenous culture in general and the bottom strip at the bottom of this design is a separate connected part of this work that shows my distinct Meskwaki culture. I feel like that is how all Indigenous People are, while we are all the same, there are parts of our tribe’s culture that remain unique and define who we are.
I used size 13 beads to make my art, and because these beads are small, I was able to create more detail in my work.
size 10 3-cut glass beads, canvas , gesso, horse hair, leather, yarn.
size 11 3-cut beads, canvas, gesso, wool, 6mm faceted glass beads, shells, leather, bone hair pipe beads, cowry shells.
size 12 cut beads, cotton bias tape, leather, gesso, canvas, rhinestones, latigo leather.
Images show outer and inner designs of the moccasins, reflecting the “fish” clan the baby belongs to.
I am an enrolled member of the Meskwaki Nation from Tama Iowa. Born and raised in Denver, I now live in Iowa. I am self-taught in all manners of beadwork and traditional garment construction and I have been actively producing beadwork for 45 years. I am also a doll maker, painter and printmaker. I have shown my work all over the United States. I currently work as a Conservationist for the Meskwaki Nation at the Meskaki Cultural Center and Museum in Tama Iowa.