NWT Arts

I am a beadwork artist, mainly making small scales earrings and keychains. Once I got the hang of beading, I also got into tufting and quill work. I feel really blessed whenever I can work with natural materials like traditionally tanned moose hide or caribou hair. One of my dreams is to  learn how to make moccasins. 

I have wanted to make beaded earrings since I was 12 years old, but I didn’t have anyone in my immediate family to teach me. In 2022, I realized that I already had all the materials I needed to start beading: embroidery floss and a thrifted jar of beads! I went on Youtube and started to learn through online tutorials. I dedicated a full year to learning as much as possible and honing my skills. 

I get a lot of inspiration from artists who share their work online. As I started to share my own beadwork too, people in the community were really helpful. I also took part in a tufting workshop by Amanda Baton (@sahtea.adze.beadwork), where I learned so much more. 

The two main things I’m inspired by are colours - mainly pastel tones - and nature. I try to take a realistic approach to my work while still making it feel dreamy. To achieve that feeling, I use specific colours and really shiny beads.  My favourite beads to work with have a special finish and extra facets that gives them a beautiful sparkling effect. 

Typically, I will have an idea and put it to paper by drawing out my pattern before I begin a new project. Sometimes when I want to challenge myself, I will pick out colours I wouldn’t normally reach for - stark rich colours - and go from there just to see what happens. 

My go-to designs are fishes and ptarmigans, but I also make other patterns inspired by my life pop-culture motifs, and the environment. I used to forage for mushrooms with my family at our cabin outside of town, so I made beaded mushroom designs and lots of flowers too! 

I have been creative all my life, with various mediums, whether that was painting or embroidery, but I’ve always wanted to try beadwork. When I finally did, I realized that it brings the peace and ease that I get when I focus on creating any type of art, but with a bonus, because beadwork really connects me to my culture in a way no other art forms can.  My beadwork represents a connection to the land and is a tool that helps me heal in the most grounded way.