I’m a creature of habit so naturally once I started making Biil Ee’ it became a staple in my work. There’s something about utilitarian wear that gets that itch in a part of my brain that nothing else can reach. It’s sort of a slow burn due to the time & effort it takes but that delayed satisfaction is worth it. I think we have all seen photos of Diné women during the forced relocation of the people to Ft. Sumner. They really give me an idea of how I want to make these dresses. Albeit, they’re very contemporary compared to dresses of old. I have a dress in mind that emulates those of the older style that I wish to make. Which is tough to get to because no one sees my vision & wishes for elaborate designs, and that’s valid. I have made about 11 dresses so far, that number blows my mind. In total that’s 22 dress panels. I hope to do a show one day focusing on the work I’ve done with my dresses and other weavers & dresses that were woven by my ancestors that are housed in museum collections. IMO women’s utilitarian wear is severely underrated & not show cased enough. This is the work for the people. Hopefully it comes true one day 🤞🏾anywho! Tell me in the comments which dress is your favorite! I’d love to see what your thoughts are 🤟🏾
When I was a young kid, I used to go to the public library only to go to the “southwest” part of the collection & look through books on Navajo weaving 😆 of course I never paid much attention to the texts, I was only concerned with the blankets & rugs 😵💫🤩😎 now I’m continually inspired by young Diné weavers & seeing all of our work evolve 🤗 what makes this work special is that the set up & much of our “weaving technology” hasn’t changed much but the work that comes off the loom has 🔥 many of us use this art form as a way to reconnect with our families’ weaving lineage and its a beautiful process 🤗 one last thing. I will say this time & time again, I’m not self made.. I may have put in the work to get where I’m at but I’ve been blessed with such great teachers, mentors & community.. all of whom taught me bit by bit 🥰 Photo credit: @mineshbacrania
As Diné, our connection to the land is embedded within our being from the time we are born. We form that relationship & bond as we grow up, walk, talk & pray. This is the reason why so many of us always return home to rejuvenate our spirit. And in turn, the land also misses us, our laughter & footsteps. That connection also includes the art that we make. Pottery, basketry, weaving, and jewelry to name a few. To me, whenever I finish a woven dress, I like to introduce it to the landscape & allow the natural elements see what was created. A contemporary version of what once was, and in hopes that the land remembers us by that. This dress I recently finished, is one of a number of dresses I’m working on for 2023. I may have to bring on some help to weave the blank portions of the dresses so I can speed things up. Here’s to a very busy 2023, I hope you all are doing well & staying healthy!
Brushing up on twill weave this week & created this pattern. I wanted to get fancy but after about 30 minutes of figuring out a pattern, I decided it would be best to take it easy before I began to frustrate myself 😂
Heard market 2026 is a wrap! Very much appreciate all the words of support & visits from friends & family 🫶🏾 I had a chance to visit with my favorite artists, ones I only see during market. The creative energy every artist brings is amazing & inspiring. Also huge shout out to the museum guild & staff/volunteers for putting this show together!
