Artist Statement
My work reflects a contemporary native art style and a touch of old style Ojibwe art with my own twist. I have been beading since the age of 7 and was taught this beautiful, traditional art form from my aunts and grandma. Especially important to me in my work is the preservation of my culture, through both language and art.
I mainly enjoy utilizing beadwork, painting and mixed media in non-traditional ways to showcase my own identity as a native artist and also as a woman of the 21st century. My style can best be described as traditional Ojibwe floral style with a modern twist. I enjoy taking themes that are modern and themes from pop culture and turning them into beadwork. I also often pay homage to my ancestors by utilizing traditional floral themes throughout my piece. It’s important for me to show the craftsmanship and vision I put into each piece from start to end. It is most important to me to innovate myself by pushing myself to try new techniques and create new methods of my own. I strive to be unique in both the designs,colors and style of beadwork that I create. Every day is a day to reflect on my artistic style and originate new concepts. In my eyes, it is the responsibility of each native generation to revive and renew traditional native art forms such as beadwork, and I’m here to do just that.
Artist Bio
I first started beading at seven years old, learning traditional beadwork from my aunts and grandmother. Today, I run Waabooz Beading and Waabooz Cosmetics from my Minneapolis studio, where I love mixing my Ojibwe heritage with my sparkly nail life. Helping others into the world of beading is a big part of what I do through beading workshops with Artstart all over the state through different library systems here in Minnesota. It’s been an absolute honor to see my pieces displayed in some pretty cool spots including but not limited to the Bell Museum, the Textile Center, the University of Minnesota, Mille Lacs Indian Museum, Twin Cities Pride and the Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport. I have also been blessed to work with amazing organizations such as the Minnesota Vikings, the City of Columbia Heights, the Northeast Minneapolis Artists Association and the Minnesota Zoo!
Ojibwe Inaajimowin
An exploration of the beadwork evolution at Waabooz Beading and the preservation of Mille Lacs traditions.
Bell Museum
A look at Alicia’s project and research regarding “Beading the Wildflowers of Minnesota”Read Feature
Voyage Magazine
Spotlight on the Life work of Alicia De La Cruz