Author: BWQ

Traditional Meets Modern In Blu Hummingbird’s Beadwork

by BWQ, posted in Beaded Patches

Blu Hummingbird is a Haudenosaunee (Onondaga, French, and Irish) beadwork artist based out of Tkaronto (Toronto). Considering Blu works as a comestic tattoo artist, it should come as no surprise that she finds inspiration in traditional tattoo imagery.

Most of all, Blu is inspired by community. Especially other Indigenous artists, like: @collinsjordan, @j.okuma, @antelopewomendesigns, and @niioperkinsdesigns.

“I truly admire all of our unique styles and contributions to the living history of Indigenous art and culture that will carry on and preserve our stories for future generations.”

Blu Hummingbird beads in accordance with the teaching that your energy and intention should permeate your work, so that the piece you create will carry that energy with it. Subjects that bring Blu joy or ignite her passion are her favourite to work it.

“Beading is medicine. Every single bead is intentional and thoughtful, every stitch a prayer. Beadwork has given me so much and grounds me. Reminds me daily of my role and responsibilities in family and community. It has connected me with some of the most incredible people and ideas and provided me space to grow and opportunity to plant seeds with others and to nurture their growth as well. There is enough room for us all to flourish and shine, and the vast possibilities of this sacred practice constantly reaffirm this. I’m so grateful and honoured to be able to do this work.”

Like many artists, Blu loves to do one of kind, personalized collaborations with clients. So many people have requested a moon phase medallion or patch that Blu Hummingbird has created a waiting list.

It can be daunting to recreate the same piece over and over again, but Blu’s moon phase work is especially meaningful. She takes special care to ensure that each piece is different and individual. Her personal struggle with infertility has influenced her work and through her connection with grandmother she makes sure her moon phase pieces are intentional and special.

If interested in a moon phase medallion contact Blu Hummingbird’s here. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required.

Click on images below for larger versions:

Instagram: @blu_hummingbird
Facebook: Blu Hummingbird Beadwork 
Shop: Blu Hummingbird Beadwork

Space Inspired Brooches & Large Scale Necklaces By Artist Yana Vikulina (A.K.A. Nayanavi)

by BWQ, posted in Interview

I first came across Russian beadwork artist Yana Vikulina (A.K.A. Nayanavi) going through the archives at Mr X Stitch. I was immediately enamoured with her beaded space brooches.

“These [4] brooches make up the collection “Geometry & Space”, inspired by retro futurism and classic illustrations of space rockets. They are made from japanese and czech seed beads, Swarovski stars, Bugle beads, triangles, Miyuki Tila beads and bullion thread.”

From Mr X Stitch I found Nayanavi on DeviantArt, as well as on Instagram where I was able to see more of her beadwork. Her large scale neck pieces are particularly impressive.

I caught up with Nayanavi on Instagram where she was nice enough to answer a few questions despite her busy schedule.

How did you first become interested in beadwork?

I was only 5 or 6 years old when I saw seed beads for the first time – brightly colored cheap Chinese beads. I was fascinated and asked Mom to buy me some. Since that day beads became my main hobby.

Are you self-taught or did you take lessons?

I am self-taught.

Can you tell me a little bit about your creative process? What inspires you?

The whole world around me is my inspiration. Nature, music, videogames, favourite books and even my own childhood memories are my sources of creative ideas. I usually write them down or make simple sketches in a small notebook. I also have a special “Inspiration” folder on my PC where I keep reference images, sketches and written descriptions for my projects.

Is everything you make hand stitched with needle and thread?

Yes, this is my main technique.

How would you describe your style? 

I think there is no exact definition for my style. I would call it eclectic – a mix of styles and themes. My works are often picturesque, have vivid characters or landscapes. I like drawing and it reflects in my beadwork.

I’m from Canada and you’re the first Russian beadwork artist I’ve come across, I was wondering if it’s a popular art form where you’re from?

Yes, it is very popular and extremely competitive at the moment. Several major beading contests are held in Russia each year, and the level of the participants’ works is very high and keeps on growing. Many artists teach online and offline, organize creative “marathons.” All of these activities greatly boost interest in beadwork.

Wow, I’ll have to google all that to learn more. 

Are their any artists you look up to that you would like to recommend?

Sure! The artist who years ago inspired me to try bead embroidery is Guzel Bakeeva @guzel_bakeeva. She is the winner of several contests, including Bead Dreams. I also love what Maria Kovaleva @nordsommer creates (she has a second account, which is mostly in English @witchy.vision). Anastasia Demidova @design_by_n makes exceptional jewelry and handbags.

And I also highly recommend visiting @greenbird_ru‘s account. It is one of the main bead stores in Russia, they hold contests together with Swarovski. Their account shows the beadwork level in Russia perfectly.

Where can people buy your work?

I prefer using Instagram for this. Beadwork is more of a hobby for me than a business, so I am not ready yet to open an online store (but maybe I’ll consider Etsy in the near future).

Awesome, thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions. 

Thank you for the interview!

My pleasure!

Click on images below for larger versions: 

Instagram: @nayanavi
Facebook: Yana Vikulina
DeviantArt: nayanavi

Interview With Heather Stewart A.K.A. Sweetgrass Beads

by BWQ, posted in Beaded Patches

Heather Stewart is an indigenous artist originally from Kashechewan, Ontario. I tracked her down on Instagram where we had a little chat about beadwork.

Can you tell me about when you started beading?

I started beading about 30 years ago. I was 3 or 4 years old. I liked watching my mom who was always beading, so she set up a little station right beside her at the dinner table and away I went. I just love it. I’ve always been making art in one form or another, I love drawing too. But beading is my favourite thing to do, its always good to have a positive outlet to express yourself. ☺

Have you always had a clear vision of what you’ve wanted to create? You have a distinctive style and I’m wondering if you struggled finding your voice.

The art that I create is really just an expression of what I love and who I am. I think if you always stay true to who you really are (once you find out who you are) creating art should always be flowing through you.

Right now I feel like I have so many ideas of pieces I want to do, but not enough time.

What inspires you?

I never know what’s going to inspire me,  I’m just drawn to certain things, so if something inspires me, I go with it. With my art half the time I’m inspired by my native traditions that I will never let go of. The other half is just stuff I like, I collect skulls, creepy things and I love watching horror movies so I get a lot of my ideas from that.

Click on images below for larger versions:

Etsy shop: SweetGrassByHeather 
Instagram: @sweetgrass_beads
Facebook: Sweetgrass by Heather Stewart