Title: Neon Hummingbird

Artist: Beadz by Dre (Andrea Johns)

Tribal Affiliation: Mohawk Nation (Six Nations) (Canada)

Year Completed: 2022

Medium: Beadwork

Dimensions (HxWxD): 2" with 18" silver-plated chain

Description/Inspiration:

Made with neon seed beads and iridescent mirrored hummingbird centre, finished with
silver-plated chain.

Artist Bio/Statement:

I started beading in 2019, but I've always admired and loved beadwork. I'm Kanien'kéha:ka (Mohawk) and in Haudenosaunee culture, beads are central to our identity. Our wampum belts are intricately beaded mnemonic devices that hold records of our histories and our treaties and agreements with other nations.

Wampum is made from whelk and quahog shells and is extremely difficult to work with - creating these beads by hand takes an unbelievable amount of skill, time and patience. Much like beadwork. Wampum was and is still considered a luxury. Beadwork is a reflection of the prosperity, ingenuity and resilience of Indigenous art and culture.

I recently completed an 80-piece collection for the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival marketplace, and my beadwork was purchased by the Textile Museum of Canada for their giftshop. I continue to release new pieces and collections throughout the year.

I use vintage cabochons, high-quality crystals and a variety of stone, wood, bone, feather, quills and other natural materials to create unique and innovative pieces.

Andrea Johns
Beadz by Dre

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.