SWAIA ARTIST Profile

William Mendoza

Name
William Mendoza
Tribe
Oglala Lakota
Juried Classification(s)
Beadwork / Quillwork

SWAIA Booth History

SFIM25
POG 107
WIM24
SFIM24
SFT W 532

2024 Award History

N/A
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement
William Mendoza

Creator of museum quality Lakota beadwork and quillwork. The artist utilizes historic and contemporary materials to create synergistic work that builds upon these rich art-forms, while also striving to not betray their aesthetic or utilitarian traditions. The artist utilizes self-brain-tanned leather, or archival embroidery backing material as a foundation for the artist's diverse creations. Commercial and natural dyes, as well as porcupine quills, are self-procured, and hand-embroidered to create custom color combinations and design that reflects and advances these uniquely Indigenous art-forms. Authentic and historically accurate African, Venetian, and precious metal beads are a mainstay in the artist's creations. Hand-procured and selected animal materials of the highest standard such as horn, antler, shells, teeth, hair, and fur are staples of the artist's preferred materials. Couture quality materials are also present in the artist's body of work.

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