sukiǂq̓ukamaǂ
(to be happy with something or someone, to be happy to see or run into someone)
Hello there! Hu qakǂik Abigail, the artist behind Bear & Bead Studio. I’m based in Edmonton, a member of ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation, and a recent University of Alberta graduate. My work comes from living at the intersection of Indigenous and Chinese cultures and from paying close attention to the connections between them.
Most of what I make is beadwork, prints, and commissioned pieces. I spend a lot of time thinking about where ideas come from, who they’re for, and what happens to the work once it leaves my hands. I draw inspiration from Qat’muk, a Ktunaxa teaching that understands land as living and relational and is also the reason behind the “bear” in Bear & Bead Studio.
I work with Indigenous Nations, community organizations, public institutions, and corporate partners on projects ranging from event branding to public-facing materials. I value good conversation, clear process, and work that feels right in the spaces it ends up in.
Ways We Can Work Together
I offer a mix of custom artwork and design work, depending on what the project needs and what makes sense! Some things are very bead-forward, some are more design-heavy, and some sit somewhere in between. If you are not sure where your idea fits, we can figure it out together!