"The imagination is bigger than the universe," said Marcia Chickeness, renowned beadwork artist from Poundmaker First Nation while in Maidstone giving an introduction to beading workshop at the public library April 27.
Chickeness has work on display with the Saskatchewan Arts Board permanent collection, at Wanuskewin HeritageParkand the Allen Sapp Gallery. Her pieces have been on display and in galleries constantly since 2000.
She is passionate about beading and has been for more than 30 years.
The participants who gathered for the workshop listened to Chickeness speak about the reverence artists have for the colours and designs used. She began work on a simple pattern calling it a replica, others usedsimilar patterns to start and were encouraged to come up with their own designs.
Chickeness showed some samples of her work including beaded war bonnets in trendy colours designed to create wide appeal.
She offers workshops to make the war bonnets as well as basic beading. Chickeness is self -taught and creates original pieces, sometimes working with family members.
She displayed several purses and large beaded roses using various traditional and modern materials.
Participants had the opportunity to work on pieces of scrap leather with seed beads and discuss the art form. Chickeness talked about the two needle method but had people start with one needle. One of the biggest challenges for some was threading the tiny needles.
The group was inspired by Chickeness and several books available through the library and one of the participants. Those in attendance slowly added beads to their work hoping to meet again and learn evenmore.
