Artist Alisa Blake says stories are woven into each bead in her work.
Blake, who was named the artist of the month for January by the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley, crafted a pair of New Year’s themed earrings to ring in 2025.
The Land and Water Boards are celebrating Indigenous artists who bead flowers this year as a way to promote northern beadwork. If you’d like to apply to be featured, more information can be found below.
Blake’s New Year’s earrings are “inspired by the festive spirit of New Year’s celebrations, featuring party hats, streamers, noise makers and fireworks, old-time community dances accompanied by fiddle and guitar,” she said.
“The design captures the excitement and joy of welcoming the new year.”
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The earrings are white with purple, black, and gold accents centred around a black jewel.
“I created this using the brick stitch method. Each row of beads is carefully offset to resemble stacked bricks,” she explained. “This technique adds a unique texture and visual interest to the design.”
She said using size 10 Miyuki Delica beads also helps to enhance intricate details and a vibrant pattern.
Blake says crafting beadwork requires a “significant amount” of skill, time and love.
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For her, the art helps her feel connected to her mother and grandmother – who taught her to bead – as well as to her culture.
“Through beadwork, I can express my unique stories and heritage through the images I create. This art form serves as a powerful medium to showcase my personal identity and cultural roots, highlighting the resilience and creativity of marginalized communities,” she said.
“By honouring the stories woven into each bead, I can elevate the significance of this traditional craft and recognize its intrinsic value in preserving heritage and fostering self-expression. Ultimately, beadwork is not just about creating beautiful art but also about reclaiming narratives and celebrating the richness of my cultural history.”
Blake said when people wear her work, it brings her a great sense of pride seeing her work bringing other people joy.
“It feels great to see the support, because that’s really what it is. It’s just inspiring, and it encourages me to continue to work and create,” she said.
The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley have launched a year-long Indigenous flower beading series that celebrate and promote northern Indigenous beadwork.
All artists who submit work will receive $25 for each month they propose a theme and idea for a beaded flower. The artist whose theme and flower are selected for each month will receive an additional $250.
To submit a theme and idea for an accompanying flower design, contact the boards through the new Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley Facebook page, or call Christan at 867-765-4592.
