If you ever find yourself stopping to admire Indigenous beadwork, take a moment to appreciate that there is a deeper meaning to the intricate patterns and vibrant colours. It also represents creativity, culture, tradition, and spirituality. Those are facets Sandy Sault-Hartwick rediscovered after returning to her love of the craft.
She is an Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee artist from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, now based in Kelowna. Sault-Hartwick began beading in 2018, after initially learning the art in elementary school on the reserve. “I think I was homesick,” she said.
“Missing family and missing the culture, so I just picked up the needle and started again.” She finds inspiration in full moons and incorporating language teachings into her art, and is patient in seeking her style. “It’s an ever-evolving process.
There is so much history of beading in the Indigenous world. I’m trying to incorporate things from my nation and culture into my beading.” Sault-Hartwick uses various skills and elements in her work.
“On my Annishanabe side, there is more beading and quills. I’ve been drawn to that because I use a lot of porcupine quills in my jewelry.” Items from the land are also worked into pieces, including tanned hides, seeds, and flowers.
Many of her ideas just come to her. “I notice that during a full moon, I might be more creative, a new design might come to me.” Sault-Hartwick explained th.
