NWT Arts

I create a mix of modern and traditional artwork. I am most inspired when I am making bags and purses, although I can make other things too. I love to use traditional materials in modern designs and patterns. I tend to work with cottons and canvas and combine those with moose hides, furs and beads. I’ve also started learning to include quills in my designs.

I am a self-taught artist. In 2012, I started learning how to do embroidery work. At first, I made little mukluks for my daughter, and I just kept going from there. I started making shoes, covers, and bags. The bags really stuck with me, so I kept making them. I love to find a pattern that could be very plain and make it stand out by using moose hide or beads. I enjoy experimenting with methods to level the piece up by using the same materials my Ancestors used.

I was creating my own patterns for simple pouches and bags at first. I wanted to be able to create bags for my family for everyday use, like hunting and other practical uses. Once I got more comfortable creating my own designs, I started purchasing more complex patterns online, and I kept learning from those. I now use a mix of bought patterns along with my own.

I get inspired by everything, everywhere, but it’s especially the case when I am spending time with nature. If I see a colour scheme out on the land that I love, I’ll take note of that. For example, I might see certain flowers next to a vibrant colour, which will be my inspiration to make a bag with purple flowers and green highlights.

I tan my own moose hides. My mother-in-law taught me a lot about that process. I was also a part of a family hide tanning program yearly since 2015. Since then, I have been tanning enough hides to be able to help the organizers of those workshops. I can now pass on the knowledge I have learned along the way, while I work on my own hides! Once you try this process, that’s when you really understand how much muscle, how much work, is needed for one hide. It’s difficult, but it’s really rewarding work. It’s always exciting to see the final product.

I like to create art because I find it to be a peaceful outlet. It’s relaxing to create new items. I think it’s also a healing process for me because I am incorporating traditional materials used by our Ancestors on modern bags in these modern times. I believe it’s a very important and meaningful connection to make.