This beaded portrait of a scenic PEI cliff landscape hangs in YYG Charlottetown Airport as acknowledgement to the Epekwitnewaq Mi'kmaq that have occupied this Island for over 12,000 years.
Completed by the "Made On Mi'kma'ki" craft team comprised of Koady Sock, Tee Sock and Morgan Varis, this unique piece represents less than 100 beaded portraits in North America presently - two of which currently reside on Epekwitk, including this piece.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DESIGN
Each artist when looking at this would have their own take on this image, but to me, to us, it represents the water, the earth and all the elements that Epekwitk offers. The colours chosen represented the colours of the Island, from the blue water, to the rust coloured sand.
The land is from our creator, and we wanted to honour that.
The land, water, way of life, fishing. The canoe/kayak is to pay homage to those we have lost, and those who use these methods of transportation or fishing as a way of life. We wanted the scene to represent all Indigenous and Mi'kmaq people. The vision was inspired by Epekwitk.
-Koady Sock, Artist
THE ARTISTS
Discover the captivating artistry of Koady Sock, an Indigenous artist, and his partner Morgan Varis, as they unveil a remarkable art installation at YYG Charlottetown airport. Together with Tee Sock, Koady's talented mother, they form the local company Made in Mi'kma'ki. Originally known for their exquisite dream catchers, this dynamic team has expanded their repertoire to include beadwork and more.
Through their artwork, Koady and his team take immense pride in leaving a lasting imprint at one of the landing places on Epekwitk. Their aspiration is to inspire visitors to truly immerse themselves in the Island's diverse offerings. In doing so, they hope to ignite a sense of exploration and encourage that exploration of every corner of the Island. For those fortunate enough to call the Island home, Koady's art serves as a proud representation of the vibrant colours that define this cherished place they call home.
THE PORTRAIT
The colours chosen represent the many colours of Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island and the beads were carefully selected and chosen from all over the world.
This beaded portrait took two months to complete, using a total of:
- 300 yards of Fireline thread, equal to three football fields worth of length.
- Glass beads from three different countries, including the Czech Republic, Japan, and the United States.
- Over 2,500 beads using the flat stitch method of flat stitch beadwork – a unique style of beadwork that applies one bead at a time for black outlines and two beads at a time for colour filling.
Progression of the portrait from initial sketches to more complete concept
Progression from finished drawing to beaded portrait
Wiaqtaqne'wasulti'kw Epekwitk
Connected by Epekwitk
Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People. The Epekwitnewaq Mi'kmaq have occupied this Island for over 12,000 years. We honour the "Treaties of Peace and Friendship" which recognize Mi'kmaq rights and establish an ongoing relationship between nations. We are all Treaty People.
