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“Like most people, I’ll never forget the details of where I was on the morning of 9/11”

beaded quilt squares contributed by Alaskan artists for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project (DC panel1)

These beaded squares were created for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project —a global, collaborative work of memorial art.

This block of squares by Alaskan artists can be found on the first panel of the DC quilt (click here to view all of the panels created for this project). The image includes the contributors’ names, and any statements they provided are included below.

Cindy Aguiar, Alaska: Like most people, I’ll never forget the details of where I was on the morning of 9/11. I just wanted to be able to give something to everyone in memory of hope, peace and understanding. This was my first piece of embroidered beadwork, and the creation of it was very emotional and reflective for me. 

Jonisue Minor, Alaska: When I learned of the tragedy I thought of all the soul and the butterflies represent the freeing of American patriotism.

Candi Dixon, Alaska: They are heroes too! My daughter and I both love dogs. We are touched by how the canine rescue teams were affected by not finding survivors – they too felt the pain of losing someone. My daughter Keetra Dixson designed the square and I beaded our contribution.

Lyn Jorgenson, Alaska: As an Australian, currently living in Alaska, I can’t help but reflect on my being part of this vast and beautiful universe. It is a membership worthy of pride, yet it demands a simple humility. We must support one another, building bridges not destroying them, listening to the smallest voice, not just following the loudest. Stars, stripes, shields, constellations, colors–all symbols of who and what we are, cannot be seen as threats or provocations, but rather as signs of peace and hope and understanding: parts of the whole. We have a responsibility to one another while we live our brief but significant lives to promote universal understanding, where race, religion or color presents no barrier. No one should live in fear, as our planet in this universe deserves our love and not our hate. We all need to keep shining for each other.

Techniques include bead embroidery and flat peyote stitch.

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“PEACE” Like most people, I have no words to describe how I felt…

9/11 Bead Quilt squares from PA panel 1

These beaded squares were created for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project —a global, collaborative work of memorial art.

This block of squares by California artists can be found on the first panel of the PA quilt (click here to view all of the panels created for this project). The image includes the contributors’ names, and any statements they provided are included below.

Julia Kagiwada, California: “PEACE” Like most people, I have no words to describe how I felt on September 11th, 2001, but this is partly why I wanted to participate in this meaningful project. My contribution may be small, but together we will be significant. Please know that we will not forget.

Marilyn Goodman, California: The sadness of the terrorist-caused Twin Towers, Pentagon and Pennsylvania plane disasters, caused my heart to fill so in my chest, that I felt it would burst with sadness. My heart is broken when I think of all the loss – the dead and their survivors.

Annette Maggiora, California: I thought about remembrance while I was beading.  Once I finished, I realized this even comprised shattered dreams.  That is reflected in the shattered glass, the shattered facade and the host of lost people.

Techniques include bead embroidery, loom work (or possibly brick stitch?) and flat peyote stitch.

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One planet one people

beaded quilt squares created for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project, New York panel 2

These beaded squares were created for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project —a global, collaborative work of memorial art. 

This block of squares can be found on the second panel of the NY quilt (click here to view all of the panels created for this project). The image includes the contributors’ names, and any statements they provided are included below.

Cheryl Assemi, California: The events of 9/11 left us struggling to reconcile the intense grief with any personal happiness, the outrage with compassion for the plight of so many, or fear with a trust in our national security. The cool blue folding against the heated red in the ribbon expresses these emotional extremes …while never losing hope.

Marcia Laging Cummings, Nebraska:  Innocent lives were lost on 9/11 and we, previously undamaged by terrorists from distant lands, lost our innocence. Now we must remain ever vigilant.

Techniques include flat peyote stitch and bead embroidery.

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“Hope for the Future”

beaded quilt squares created for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project, PA panel 3

These beaded squares were created for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project —a global, collaborative work of memorial art. 

This block of squares can be found on the third panel of the PA quilt (click here to view all of the panels created for this project). The image includes the contributors’ names, and any statements they provided are included below.

Bonnie Zeranski, California:  Hope for the future.

Techniques include bead embroidery, embellished peyote stitch, flat peyote stitch, and loomwork (or possibly brick stitch?).

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“All those people missing from our lives. It leaves a hole in my heart.”

beaded quilt squares for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project, NY panel 3

These beaded squares were created for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project —a global, collaborative work of memorial art.

This block of squares by New Mexico artists can be found on the third panel of the NY quilt (click here to view all of the panels created for this project). The image includes the contributors’ names, and any statements they provided are included below.

Lisabeth Tafoya, New Mexico I wish I could understand why there are people like this in the world.

Mary Tafoya, New Mexico This square remembers Al Marchand, a retired police officer from southern New Mexico, who got a job as a flight attendant after he retired. He was a devout Christian and once told his family that maybe God had called him to that work so that if a plane went down, he could bring others to Christ before their death. I thought that was a pretty powerful story, considering that as a former police officer he could probably kick major butt instead if he chose to. He was a flight attendant on United Flight 175 which crashed in the WTC. I don’t know what his last moments were like, but I envision him as a man of peace, bringing others to peace.

Nikia Angel, New Mexico “Hole in My Heart” As time goes by and I see the film clips of the planes hitting the trade center I have a physical sensation in my heart. All those people missing from our lives. It leaves a hole in my heart.

Techniques include bead embroidery, mixed media, and surface embellished flat peyote stitch.

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9/11 Bead Quilt Squares Gifted from Japan

Beaded quilt squares for the 9/11 bead quilt project, DC panel 1

These beaded squares were created for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project —a global, collaborative work of memorial art.

This is the first block of squares on the first panel of the DC quilt (click here to view all of the panels created for this project). The image includes the names of all contributors, and any statements they provided are included below.

Aoki Mikiko, Japan: I wish all living things harmony, and collaborations among humans, the earth and universe.

Takami Komishi, Japan: I feel great sorrow that what happens in the USA and other countries could become problems to us. Because I felt great sorrow at the news of this tragedy, I decided to take action to express my feelings. I hope children and all the people will live in peace. 

Several of these squares were created by a group of Japanese artists. Some of them learned how to bead in order to participate in this project! I cried with awe and gratitude when I learned of this. Thank you to each and every artist who contributed from around the globe.

Techniques include: bead embroidery, loom work, and flat peyote stitch

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Art Heals: Reflecting on the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project, 25 Years Later

Beaded quilt square with white glass beads over a blue velvet heart, spelling out the Anne Frank quote: "In spite of everything, I still believe people are good at heart"

As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11th, my heart is with everyone impacted. In the spirit of remembrance and peace, I want to share some of the exquisite artwork created for the 9/11 Bead Quilt Project —a global, collaborative work of memorial art.

On September 12, 2001, seeking a way to heal, I connected with fellow artists online. Within 24 hours, a grassroots initiative was born. Over the next six months, 500 beadworkers worldwide handcrafted 3-inch beaded squares, coming together to create massive, nearly 200-pound mosaic glass quilt panels. After touring for a decade, our labor of love found its permanent home in the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Over the next few days, this blog will feature some of these incredible artworks and the artists’ stories. I hope they bring you comfort and serve as a reminder of the healing power of art and human connection.

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Vintage Photos from My Vending Days

Thought I’d share these “vintage” photos from vending days gone by: The first photo is from the Chumash Pow Wow in Ojai, CA, circa 1994. We’d just finished breaking down our vendor booth. By that stage in my life, I’d already been vending at art shows and festivals for about 7 years!

The woman on the left was a sweet friend from England, who used to import my work so that she could sell it in her stall at the Glastonbury Festival! (Does that event still exist?). The babe in my arms is now 26 years old, and in grad school.

The second photo shows some beaded leather bags that I made around that same era. As you can see, my style has changed a bit in the 25 yrs since these pictures were taken. Some things remain constant: my material choices (beads, leather, natural gemstones), a love of color and natural themes, skilled craftsmanship, and passion for my work and the people who inspire me to create.

handcrafted beaded buckskin bags circa 1994

This path has not always been easy, but I love it all the same. I’m grateful for all the lessons behind me, and hopeful for many years ahead. Some of you have been with me through this whole journey (thank you, I love you!) and some are just joining now (thanks, you rock!).

Please know that I genuinely appreciate every bit of support and encouragement along the way. May it come back to you tenfold  ❤

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Competition, Community, and Respect

leather raven feather ponytail holder or shawl pin

Had a rough day today, contemplating an unsavory situation. As luck would have it, I came across these words that I wrote last year. It was a timely reminder of where to focus my energy. While the lame situation still needs resolution, I’d like to pause from my pissed-offedness for just a moment, to acknowledge the good:

I’ve spent a lot of time and energy griping about those unethical competitors who copy, undercut, and just generally slither around the internet. It’s true – they are many. But perhaps I haven’t spent enough time acknowledging the friendly and ethical competitors who have treated me kindly. There are many of you as well. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀                                                                                      ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Over the years, I’ve had the good fortune to know countless artists who’ve helped me to hone my craft and to learn the ropes as a vendor.

Despite the fact that we’re “competing” in a similar market, you’ve treated me with integrity and respect, helping me to learn and encouraging me to grow. We’ve empathized with each others’ struggles, and celebrated successes.

These positive professional relationships have endured time and trends, and many have grown into genuine friendships that enrich my life. Thank you for this! It proves that “competitor” doesn’t have to be a dirty word. We all choose how we conduct our businesses (and ourselves) and we CAN lift each other up without detracting from our own goals. In this way, we all thrive.
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So yeah, the jackasses are out there – but so are the good ones!

I’m grateful for those of you who choose to take the high road (even when it’s not the easy road) and I promise to treat you – and your work – with the same integrity and courtesy that you’ve shown me.

Raven feather ponytail holder © 2010 Andrea Adams/ Beadmask

photo courtesy of Priya Alahan Photography