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SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Ria Thundercloud

Name
Ria Thundercloud
Tribe
Ho-Chunk
Juried Classification(s)
Website

SWAIA Booth History

SFIM25
PAL N 224
SFIM24
WIM25

2024 Best of Show Awards

First Place
N/A
Second Place
N/A
Honorable Mentions
N/A

2025 Best of Show Awards

First Place
N/A
Second Place
N/A
Honorable Mentions
N/A
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement
Ria Thundercloud

Paxxaje also known as a traditional Ho-Chunk diagonal stitch is a dying finger woven style of beadwork, due to its intricate and time-consuming process. No needles or loom are used to create paxxaje, completely finger woven with only thread and beads. Paxxaje weaves one bead at a diagonal stitch. I mindfully take my time, thinking in a diagonal process while creating my designs. The materials used for this, are size 15 seed delicate beads, knitting thread and adorned with vintage Indian head coins or shells. I am currently making some with diamond ends. Lastly they are topped off with earrings hooks which will be handmade this year by me.Two needle stitch, another style of beadwork I expertise in. Two needles are used to create a flat and seamless lines for larger projects. This style allows for tedious curves and shapes to be defined with the help of two needles. One needle is used to string the bead and another needle to precisely tact down beads. Bead, thread and needles are used.