SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Melissa Lewis-Barnes

Name
Melissa Lewis-Barnes
Tribe
Navajo Nation
Main Classification
Diverse Arts
Classification #2
Classification #3

SWAIA Booth History

SFIM25
LIN E 754
WIM24
SFIM24
SFT 504

SWAIA Highlight History

Featured in 2024
Read Here

2024 Award History

N/A
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement
Melissa Lewis-Barnes

I am proud to say I have been creating handmade custom hats for 25 years. My hats are made out of the best material I can source; beaver fur felt material, leather, seed beads, deerskin lace. There are several stages in the hat making process; blocking the crown, sanding the felt, sewing the sweatband and steam-shaping into the hat style.I am best known for elevating my hats by using them as a canvas to hand-paint bold designs that feature vibrant colors and beautiful loom beaded hatbands in gorgeous colors. Each hat creation is a striking one-of-kind wearable piece of art. My work is inspired by my Navajo heritage. I like to incorporate colorful designs from Navajo rugs, turquoise jewelry, desert colors, and cowboys. My goal is to create a hat that has design balance, comfort and outstanding craftsmanship. I have been selected to show my art work at prestigious Native Art shows, where I have been awarded for my designs. As well as being featured in several magazines and podcasts.

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