Submitted by: Marcy Friesen
Materials: Otter fur, seed beads, bugle beads, rope, felt, pollen, thread.
I was born in 1974 in Nipawin Saskatchewan, Canada of Swampy Cree and Welsh ancestry. I was raised in Carrot River Saskatchewan, Canada.
As a child growing up I saw my cousin loom beading. I was fascinated and ended up making myself a bead loom with a 2×4 and some finishing nails. I threaded my loom and began to create.
Throughout my life I have been influence by the strong independent women in my family. My maternal Granny was a bead artist and my paternal Grandmother was a collector of bead art. So it seemed wherever I was I noticed and loved bead art.
I started my business Trapline Creations five years ago. Now I am operating it full time making moccasins, mitts, gauntlets, hats and jewelry using beads, leather and wild fur. I am currently selling my art through my Facebook page, Instagram, The Remai Modern Art and Design store in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, the Wanuskewin Gift store in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, On The Avenue Gallery in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, the Fort McMurray Heritage Society, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, and in the Art on Main Gallery in Nipawin Saskatchewan, Canada.
I have always felt the need to create using my mind and my hands. I am now taking some time to explore another side of my work using materials I love. Thinking about ways I can convey my new ideas using beads, leather and fur in new ways is exciting and freeing.
This mask was created for the Breathe community Facebook group – A collection of traditionally crafted masks demonstrating resiliency through 21st century pandemic.