containers    miniatures    skull beadwork    gauntlets    masks/dolls    paintings    shields    war shirts    footwear

In June of 2001, I started on this project not knowing where it was going. I first laid out the beadwork which is a Blackfoot motif, meaning "Whirlwind". I have always felt a great attraction to this particular pattern. At times I ask myself, why?

I had received a number of Maple slabs as a gift sometime in Aug. of 2001, having no idea what place they would hold in this 3 dimensional Multi Media I was slowly piecing together using, how you say, feng shui? (Some things, sometime will come together naturally. It's the wait that can drive you crazy).

Two miniature Dream-catchers made from Red Willow and Turquoise nuggets (that were originally destined to become a pair of earrings), instead, became the eyes which by the way, and ironically, fit within the slabs of Maple, who's centre had been eaten away by some insect.

The "Seven Feathers" which hang from the Shield are hand-carved from Pine and stained with natural Walnut dye. Their quills are from the Porcupine. Each hang from a Silver Spaghetti bead; as well, the two larger feathers hanging from the sides of the forehead.
A Rawhide Medicine Wheel wrapped in Porcupine quills, sits centre of the eyes. In the Centre of the Shield is a Silver American coin with the Tails-side showing; mounted on Red Trade Wool and framed. 19"H x 16"W.

At times I ask myself, why? Ya! right! That's easy for me to say.

This wall hanging is 26" x 35".

It is comprised of a bark mask made from the maple tree with horse hair and the teeth are from the Buffalo.

The Turban is mink with a porcupine quill medicine wheel and Grouse tail feathers.
The body is coyote fur, the breast plate is bird quill.

The epaulettes are glass beads on red trade wool with twisted fringe.
The fan is wooden feathers with a porcupine quill strip.

Four Spirits

This mixed media wall hanging is comprised of a Alebrijes by Amilio A. from Oaxaca, Mexico.

The Wreath is by Sheila Dodd-Fernley of Tweed, Ont. who collects her materials from the wild.

The painted Humming bird on slate is by Leslie Ward from Kramer Lake, near Kenora, Ont.

And the wooden Eagle feathers are by yours truly. Combined, hence the name 'Four Spirits'.

Beaded Floral Picture

Done in the appliqué style of the Plains Cree on black velvet in an oak frame. 13" x 17" .

containers    miniatures    skull beadwork    gauntlets    masks/dolls    paintings    shields    war shirts    footwear