Title: FORGET US NOT

Artist: Sharon Waawaaskonenhens' Trudeau

Tribal Affiliation: Odawa (aka Ottawa)

Year Completed: 2019

Medium: Beads, deer hide, pine wood, baling wire, horse hair, silk thread, synthetic sinew, gemstones, hairpipe bone, muslin dolls, FORGET US NOT poem & certificate holder

Dimensions (HxWxD):

DOLLS: 16" x 24" x 7 3/8"

POEM/CERTICATE COVER: 8 1/2" X 11"

Description/Inspiration:

As a teenager, I hitchhiked across Canada alone. But for the grace of Creator, I could very well have been one of the missing or murdered. The FORGET US NOT Collection was inspired by the on-going tragedy of Missing and Murdered Women and how I escaped being counted amongst them. The poem was written first and inspired me to continue with the faceless dolls. The symbolism of the dolls is, though they are from three (3) different nations, they are holding hands representing sisters, who, despite their differences in customs, traditions, and geographical locations, stand together--united. Each 'sister' wears a forget-me-not flower either on her moccasins, belt, or necklace. The hands across their mouths symbolize no longer having a voice and the desperate need for us to be their voice-for us to forget them not-for all indigenous nations to stand together as one family to protect our SISTERS. The beadwork for the forget-me-not flowers was done entirely in my Signature modified Square stitch and is guaranteed from ever falling apart through normal wear and tear. Each bead, added one at a time, is individually sewn to each of the surrounding beads using only 100% silk thread. Using this stitch, each bead ends up with between 6 and 9 strands of thread through it. Durable and strong!

Artist Bio/Statement:

I've worked with such mediums as pencil, pen, charcoal, pastels and paints. Born for the Odawa Nation and originating from an ancestral home renowned world-wide for its beautiful beadwork and artistry, mid-way through life and working under my Odawa name of Waawaaskonenhens (Little Flower), I chose to put down my pencils and brushes to pick up a beading needle. Beading is my life's passion and picking up that needle is like opening the door into my own little world. Working in the strongest stitch possible and creating pieces that fuel the imagination bonds together intense pride in art and heritage. By modifying the strongest of all stitches, the traditional Square Stitch, to double its strength, using only 100% silk thread and natural beeswax, the result is a piece of work that will last for many generations. It is true that my first love and specialty is beading. The freedom to lay down the beading needle and pick up a file for smoothing and sizing bone and horn, or a glovers needle for sewing hide. The freedom to bring ancestral work into the future by way of contemporary designs while maintaining the quality of the traditional. With the exception of the synthetic sinew used for stringing or sewing, the traditionalist in me insists on using all natural materials while the creative individualist side of me feels the need to expand on the traditional ? the need to step outside the box ? the need to be "different". I hope I have succeeded! It is my prayer that the resulting works signify honor and respect to the ancestors in every piece.

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.