Title: Keeping A good Mind

Artist: Samantha Jacobs

Tribal Affiliation: Seneca

Year Completed: 2022

Medium: Glass beads on Wool, Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork & bead embroidery

Dimensions (HxWxD): 13.5 x 12 x 6"

Description/Inspiration:

I thought about all the issues that are effecting our People and how hard it is to keep a good mind, staying strong and Sgë:nö' (Peace/Wellbeing in Seneca). I thought I could put all that in beadwork and on a hat. #EveryChildMatter, #MyBodyMyChoice, #LandBack, #MMIW are all issues that may be personal, hot button and tragic, but they affect everyone in a different manner and depth. Some are more affected than others, but we all carry pieces of these issues around with us. I wanted those visible but surrounded by the beauty of the floral beadwork, a visual representation of our culture and heritage. A foundation for grounding us as we maneuver forward through the pain and healing of these issues. Often times I add pollinators to my work, this hat being no exception. As a gardener, I see the value and role the pollinators play in growing our food. Having that connection to the land is just as important in keeping our mind and body strong so we can be healthy humans. All these things swirling on the surface, pinging us from the outside, we need to remember to keep a good mind, stay peaceful, centered, well... Sgë:nö', which is why under the brim, just above the eyes, I beaded for the wearer to see, in white (for peace), Sgë:nö'. So whoever wears the hat can keep that peace going forward wherever their path shall lead.

Artist Bio:

Samantha Jacobs is a Seneca artist of the Turtle clan from the Cattaraugus Territory. As a child, she learned beadwork from her mother Mary Jacobs. Samantha is known for her beaded moccasins and also does quillwork, moose & caribou hair tufting. She is a member of the Native Roots Artists Guild. Samantha works on her home territory where she shares her knowledge as a community educator.

Artist Statement:

Samantha Jacobs is a full-time artist working in diverse arts including beadwork, tufting, traditional clothing & jewelry. She works on her pieces because she finds it relaxing and enjoys the process of creating. Whether she is working with beads or making a mess with corn husk or moose hair, her art is free form and each piece is organic in its growth. Samantha makes art as a way to reflect the world around her in a self expressive visually appealing way. No matter what the subject of a piece deals with, whether it's a random flower or a leaf that caught her eye, or a particularly interesting story she heard along her travels; the completed work is always about telling a story. Often times that story is personal, but is one that Samantha wants to keep, remember and share with others through her work.

Please note:

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