Artist: Jalynne Geddes
Titles, Mediums & Artist Statements:
“Okawimaw Aski“ - Mother Earth, beadwork backed with vinyl, This piece honours the Mother Creator that nourishes each of us and gives us life.
“Manitoweyimiwew” - Ancestral Divinity, beadwork on velvet with 24K gold accent beads making up the sky, Our roots are always with us even if we can’t see them. They are our ancestors and they are bright and beautiful and we grow from their nourishment. We are each divine because they are.
“Acahkos”, beadwork backed with vinyl, edged with commercial leather, 24K gold accent beads, You have to look closely at this piece. Most of the beads used in this piece were inexpensive. Because they aren’t meant to endure forever, they will fade. They are gorgeous and shiny though and will last a long time if taken care of. However if you look closely, you will see that 7 beads are strategically placed to create a constellation. They are made from expensive 24k gold beads. You might have to know what you’re looking for to see them. They are not only gorgeous and beautiful, their shine will last. While the other beads might fade, these beads will become all the more beautiful. Life is like that too sometimes. It can be hard to discern what’s lasting and what isn’t, but focus will help us choose what’s best for ourselves.
Artist Biography: Jalynne is a Cree/Nehiyaw beadwork and mixed media artist from Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. Her education and professional background include extensive experience working with Indigenous non-profits. Her career trajectory helped further nurture her desire to maintain a strong connection to her own roots. Her true passion is in her artistry and hopes her work is infused with her Nehiyaw sensibilities. She’s most recently been asked to contribute her beadwork to television shows (Rutherford Falls and Resident Alien) and has been part the art scene in Portland, OR, where she has lived for over ten years.
