Grace “Waawaate” Roberts

Quillwork on birchbark. This piece is a clan barrette that took me 4 days to complete. It shows a loon mother with her baby on her back as she appears to effortlessly glide across the serene blue waters. Cerulean blue satin cut beads and crystal beads embroider the edges to match my regalia. On the back is a galaxy fabric material to signify the importance of the Anishinaabe Loon constellation. Loon is my clan and my most important roll in this life is being a single mother to 3 beautiful children. My art form is my lifestyle. I follow my teachings before I harvest the birchbark and porcupine quills. I customize the birchbark to the size and shape I need it. I also dye my quills, and sew the edges with beads.