Title: Shoulder Bag of Many Colors and Pieces

Artist: Gladys Rowan

Tribal Affiliation: Nlaka'pamux (Thompson) and Secwepemc (Shuswap)

Year Completed: 2022

Medium: Smoked traditional tan hide that is sourced from our local communities, Various beadwork and embroidery floss stitch designs/patterns.

Dimensions (HxWxD):

13.75" x 14.00" x 2.5"; Strap Length: 24"; Fringe: 6"-8"

Description/Inspiration:

Inspired by both personal familial experiences as a youth and songs that not only describe these experiences but draw out the feelings that were felt during these times. Specifically, growing up in a mixed heritage family, the struggles that we faced as a family and individually, including, poverty, exposure to familial alcohol related issues, witnessing and experiencing mental and emotional abuse at times, witnessing the aftermath of extended family members being physically abused, subject to, racism and discrimination, being an intergenerational survivor of residential school. Along with the positive experiences that morphed from our environment, compassion, a work ethic, a survivor mentality, helping the less fortunate, forgiveness, an appreciation and respect for all that we receive and experience in life, whether good, bad, or, indifferent. Love for the land, the waters, the animals, and, each other. Cultures rich in teaching, values and beliefs, and traditions. The patchwork symbolizes the many pieces, narratives and experiences, the putting together, sewing up, along with, the taking apart, undoing, all together, creating, reflecting the many chapters written and being written in our lives. The flower is the beauty that continues to grow, shine through, provide light in our journey. The use of embroidery floss to highlight, outline, or not, the use of beads to add texture and dimension, colors, melding, intermingling, like a kaleidoscope, used to reflect our ever changing feelings as it relates to our experiences. The bag can become heavy at times or lighter as we journey, based on our lived experiences, we may have the choice or not, to make them lighter, life is just that, altogether, it is how we carry them. The fringe lends itself to freedom of movement, the ability to move beyond where we are in our lives or remain, the choice is ours not always, thou. This special art wearable piece is a tribute to a song by Dolly Parton called "The Coat of Many Colors" and the retro, vintage flair of Janice Joplin.

Artist Bio/Statement:

Gladys Rowan is both Thompson (Nlaka'pamux) from the Boston Bar First Nation (Tuckkwiowhum) - Grandfather's side and Shuswap (Secwepemc) from the Canim Lake Band (Tsq'escen) - Grandmother's side. She was raised in Little Fort, BC and currently resides in 100 Mile House, BC. Gladys has been an artist for 40 plus years. She beads, uses bone, semi- precious stones, buttons, fur sinew, pelts, feathers, floss, fabrics, ribbons, and many other accessories when creating her custom art wearables and ornamentals. All of her beaded and various custom designed leatherworks are made from smoked, traditional tan hides that Gladys sources from the local communities of the Cariboo area or the Northern part of BC. For Gladys, creating her custom art wearables and ornamentals is a passion!

Please note:

Shipping within the U.S. & Canada is included in the purchase price. Sales tax and an additional 4% + $2.00 per item will be applied to the entire transaction to cover taxes, credit card processing, and other fees.