SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Melissa Lewis-Barnes

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

SWAIA Booth Numbers

Summer 2024
SFT 504
Winter 2024
Melissa Lewis-Barnes
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement

I am proud to say I have been creating unique custom hats for 25 years. My hats are made out of the best material I can source; beaver fur felt material, leather, seed beads, and deerskin lace. There are several stages in the hat making process; blocking the crown, sanding the felt, sewing in the sweatband and steam-shaping into a hat style. I am best known for elevating my hats by using them as a canvas to hand-paint bold designs and loom bead vibrant colored hatbands, bolos and turkey feathers to create a striking one-of-kind wearable piece of hat art. My work is inspired by my Navajo heritage. I like to incorporate colorful designs from Navajo rugs, turquoise jewelry, desert colors, cowboys, and geometric shapes. My goal is to create a balance of design, comfort and outstanding craftsmanship. I have been selected to show my art work at prestigious Native art shows, and I have won several awards, as well as being a featured artist in several magazine publications and podcasts.

2024 Portfolio

View the artist's portfolio for this year.
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