Title: Olive Branch Moccasins, Ladies Size 8

Artist: Natalie Ortiz

Tribal Affiliation: Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum

Year Completed: 2022

Medium: Textile, leather work and beadwork

Dimensions (HxWxD): 3' x 3.5' x 10' - Size 8 Womens

Description/Inspiration:

As a child I lived in Peru with my family. My home was in the district of San Isidro, Lima, Peru. Behind my home was a beautiful park named Parque de Olivares. In English that translates to Olive Tree Park. I used to go there daily with my sister and play and climb the olives trees that covered the whole park. It is one of my first and most memorable memories. I think because of how beautiful it is, and how much fun I had playing there, it's stuck in my head like it was just yesterday to this day. These moccasins have beaded olive tree branches, and the vamp is a deep green to represent the luscious greenery of the park.

Artist Bio/Statement:

Hello everyone, my name is Natalie, and I am a Toronto based artist. I focus my art on making handmade jewelry (Traditional and non- traditional), moccasins, dream catchers and other leather work. My work comes from inspiration I find in my heart, culture and experiences. I am of Indigenous Canadian (Ojibwe) and Peruvian background. A lot of my work will show or have meaning connected to my backgrounds. I learned how to bead, and hand make moccasins through traditional teachings. Those teachings I carry with me and continue to practice through my art. The jewelry and moccasins I make, are all made to be worn by anyone who appreciates them.

Anyone looking to support Indigenous art and respect the tradition's Indigenous people have been practicing for centuries are appreciated. If you love what you see, follow my social media for moccasins and leather work designs at @natymocs.

Thank you,
Natalie

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.