As a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, I explore the personal significance of re-connecting to my heritage and the historical past of the Cherokees through contemporary uses of beadwork. My work consists of culturally relevant imagery, important figures, and colors to convey important messages about what it means to be Native American.

I incorporate the use of Native American traditional beadwork, both on a loom and freehand square stitching. Through the use of culturally relevant materials my work is now able to not only depict topics surrounded around being Native but imply a long history of an art form from my Native American ancestors.

Each work begins with in-depth research into a topic. Ideas stem from areas such as personal emotions I have about the turbulence within me of accepting my Cherokee heritage, Cherokee history, or contemporary views of Cherokees. Sketches and compositional planning are then done to ensure that every element included has significance to the larger narrative. For the beadwork, sketches are planned on a grid that will then serve as a guide for the work.

Unfortunately, I have not shared the same experiences of growing up on a reservation surround by my Native American peers so I withheld from publicly stating my heritage and making it the subject of my studio work. Today, however, I am reclaiming my Cherokee identity by proudly and confidently announcing it, both verbally and visually, as something that makes me who I am. Doing beadwork now has served as the conduit for my reconnection to my heritage. The only connection to being Native American for most of my life was through beadwork and jewelry. It always brought me a sense of comfort to rub my fingers over the beads and feel one with my ancestors.

With this work, my primary goals are to help minorities in their journeys of identity, advocate against stereotypes, and show there is true beauty to be found in every culture. There is power in identity and I am finding mine through beadwork and painting. While I do this, I will not only be an advocate for Native American voices but anyone lost in their journey of learning and accepting who they are.