Where are you from and what sort of child were you?
I was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. My Mum’s side is English and Irish and my Father’s side is Métis, from St Louis, SK area after being forced from Red River.
Growing up I was a very curious child. I buried my nose in books and was always looking for new ways to create. Long Saskatchewan winters really nursed this side of me – so many months and hours to cozy up reading and making jewelry!
Tell us about your first memories of being creative. What were your early influences and/or exposure to art and culture?
I remember being fascinated as a child by the jewelry at the farmer’s markets my Mum would take me to. Seeing the final products and the person who made them, made me realize that I could do that too. I didn’t dive into my cultural side of beadwork until much later in life. Métis people are known as the ‘flower beading people’ and their beadwork has a reputation for being impeccable. I was so intimidated by my culture’s beading skills that it wasn’t until I was in my 20’s and could understand the spiritual side of the practice that I felt ready to try it out. Since then, I haven’t stopped!
Describe your work in 3 sentences or less.
My jewelry is about connecting myself and others with my cultural practice. The pieces weave my histories and love of the land, through symbols and colours, into adornments. The final product is beaded earrings that tell a story, brought to life by the wearer.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?
I’m really quite a nerd…I have a degree in Sociology and studied literature, so my essay writing skills are top notch.
Tell us about your first real break.
I just opened my store in July and it’s been a whirlwind since then! The whole experience has been very uplifting. It’s really the support of my customers that has impacted me the most. It feels like a big break every time someone appreciates and connects to my work.
What has been the biggest challenge of your artistic career that you’ve encountered so far?
Learning to juggle all the different tasks that a small business owner has to take care of has been a challenge – one that I enthusiastically accept, no less! It’s exciting, feels very empowering, but can also be quite consuming. Knowing my limits and when to outsource tasks has helped.
What does your average day look like and when are you most productive?
On an average day, I wake up, make coffee and start beading! Beading is such meditative work and makes for a relaxing and productive way to start the day. I’m most productive when I don’t have any meetings to attend, and I know I have the day to create, uninterrupted.
What or who inspires you to be your most creative self? And how do you overcome a creative block?
I’m so inspired by the beauty and interconnectedness of nature. It provides me with endless design inspiration! If I’m ever feeling overwhelmed or blocked, all I need to do is go for a hike, or a weekend away at a cozy cabin, and I’ll feel energized again. My community encourages me to continue creating and taking time for nature, thereby honouring my creative self.
What is your favourite place in the world? Is there anywhere you would still like to visit?
My favourite places in the world are where I feel at home – on the lakes of Northern Saskatchewan, in and around Vancouver, and New York City. Quite a spread of environments, but they’re places that I feel rejuvenated in! I love travelling and have my heart set on visiting more countries in Central and South America.
If you could give advise to your 20-year-old self, what would it be?
Relax!
Tell us about your latest work, and anything that’s on the horizon for you?
I’m always designing new collections that I’m excited to work on and share with people. I’m already looking forward to my spring collection!
