About The Fan Maker
During the summer of 1961, right after my high school graduation, I tried my first sample of gourd-stich beadwork. The technique was described the book American Indian Beadwork by J. F. (Buck) Burshears and B. Hunt. My project was a simple, straight piece using what may now be referred to as the “2-drop-method”.
I was satisfied with my results at the time but was still “green-behind-the-ears”. I started going to go to powwows (and Parson’s Trading Post, Wisc. Dells), and began to take notice of this kind of work. For some years, I practiced making beaded (flat) tail fans for family and friends.
For a college technical writing class, I was given the assignment to write and submit a paper for publication. Larry Morgan published that article, "A Fan Construction Technique" in Powwow Trails - Volume V - No. 3in June of ‘68. With experience making more fans, I took on orders.
In April ‘69 Larry published my second article in Powwow Trails - Volume VI - No. 1. That article was exclusively about the beadwork, titled "American Indian Net Beadwork". After quite a few more years of practice and several developments in my technique and bead pattern and design variations, Jack Heriard published in his "Whispering Wind", my five-part series, later compiled in 1990 in his magazine, Whispering Wind - Crafts - American Indian: Past & Present. The title of the series was simply "Gourd Stitch". In the conclusion of the series, I stated that my purpose for writing the series was:
“. . .to stimulate artistic creativity. The goal, indeed, has not been a divergence from a traditional art in beads. Novelty of pattern neither is the ambition.”
As with I”m sure with many who create NA artifacts, I consider my work to be more than just craftwork but also art. Consider Southwest jewlery and pottery for example. My approach for my clients has always been to create something unique. I do not copy and/or duplicate. My technique and patterns are not traditional but I certainly try to employ traditional character as I believe my examples illustrate. My products (including fan fringe) will all be unique and produced only and completely by me. All of my beading is done only with size 13/0, Cut Czechoslovakia sead beads.
I DO NOT PROVIDE REAL FEATHERS OF ANY EAGLE OR BIRDS OF PREY OR ANY ENDANGERED OR MIGRATORY SPECIES. As a substitute I use only imitation, painted feathers that I purchase from outside vendors as you would yourself. I will do custom work for you in either fans or medallions per your design, bead choice, and/or virtually ANY materials.
