Beadworking: a way of life

Page 9

Beadworking is much more than a hobby for Philomene Hill. It's more like a lifestyle, one that seems to go everywhere she does.

Her beadworking kit, packed full of colored thread, needles, leather and beads, is seldom far from her side. "In fact," says Hill, "I never leave home without it."

In a world full of beadwork design and creation, she has managed to carve out a real signature style, one that is recognized and respected by local crafts people and traditional dancers on the Canadian powwow circuit. It's a style that echoes both contemporary and traditional influences, she takes it one step further by combining her own striking color designs and cultural interpretations.

As a young girl watching her mother handbead the family's moccasins in the old quillworking style, Hill first became hooked on the art of the lazy stitch, one that mimics the ancient geometric patterns of the Plains Cree.

Large floral patterns reminiscent of the Woodland Cree and many sacred animals also figure in her work, in pieces ranging from small hair ornaments and moccasins, to full blown traditional regalia, outfits that can take months of intensive hand sewing to complete.

In some of her signature pieces, Hill works undyed porcupine quills into the structure and design of the bead patterns, combining both the old and the new, and European influences in some very novel and interesting ways.

The artist, who comes from a large family, says that beadworking is something that runs in the family, the skills handed down through the generations from Kokum to daughter to granddaughter.

"Beadworking is very social, something that ladies do together," explained Hill.

"And I'm always surprised when I see more young girls beadworking these days, because I used to think that with the amount of skill and patience needed, it was something that only the Elders would be doing."

"And many young people these days are taught to earn their own regalia by doing some of the the work themselves."

When it comes to working on a commission, Hill relies upon her clients to supply some of the specific designs and colors needed to create their own personal look. But as far as her own work goes, it is inspiration and imagination that often lead her to create something very different and off the beaten track, designs that just seem to happen, she says.

Beadwork is done on two needles, one to string the colorful beads and one to sew them down, usually one stitch every two beads, says Hill.

The ancestors used hand carved bone beads, stones and shells, but today's beadworker has a wider range of materials, finishes and shapes to choose from - flat, round, clear, shiny and opaque - and trips to different craft shops can be fun and exciting, searching out the latest new ideas and products.

It takes about four days to finish a small piece like a wallet or necklace but can take over three months to finish the work on an adult-sized dancing outfit.

"But the work is pretty easy and very soothing when you get into a rhythm,and most beadworkers always have a number of pieces on the go," she said.

"People are always looking for someone to teach the craft and pass on intricate needlework techniques and leather working skills associated with beadworking. And I"ve really enjoyed the challenge of teaching foster children, helping to give some of their culture back to them, helping to pass on our traditional ways and spirituality," she added.

Most of the pieces that Hill creates are made for special people in her life, special gifts for four generations including a tiny granddaughter who doesn't sew yet, but is more than content to view the world from a beautifully decorated , hand beaded mossbag made by her kokum.

She wouldn't have it any other way.