It has been a chain reaction of events that have put me in the position I am in today. The opportunities and encouragement from different people that have led me to this point in my career as an artist.
How did you learn your skills?
The skills that I have been able to obtain are Indigenous teachings that have been passed on for generations, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a very skillful household - my grandparents, parents and siblings were all natural artists in many forms - seamstresses, beaders, quillers, woodwork, and primitive teachings as well. Growing up in a culturally based home, these teachings are second nature.
You are a Porcupine Quillwork artist. For those who aren't familiar with this art form, can you share a little bit about what it is?
Porcupine quillwork is a Indigenous art form, which predates modern materials pre colonialism. Porcupine quillwork has been utilized by various Tribe’s across North America for thousands of years for a number of reasons, whether it be for ceremonial purposes, to adornments in battle, along with stating where you come from and what Tribe you may belong to. There are hundreds of different techniques in quillwork & uses for parts from a porcupine. Quillwork was almost a lost art form and over the last decade it has resurfaced and is being practiced more and more by our Indigenous youth and being showcased throughout the world.
Who are you as a designer? Brand?
My goal has always been to create beautiful things, I always strive to become better at my craft and I'd like to think as a designer and a brand it coincides.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
The process - the actual technique of wrapping and sewing the porcupine quills - comes naturally. It is something that I love to do and I never get tired of creating my artwork. A challenging part of my work is outsourcing different types of materials I use. I love to use brain tanned smoked deer hide for my products. There are many talented hide tanners out there and it is an extremely time consuming process which can be challenging at times.
Porcupine quillwork is a Indigenous art form, which predates modern materials pre colonialism. Porcupine quillwork has been utilized by various Tribe’s across North America for thousands of years for a number of reasons, whether it be for ceremonial purposes, to adornments in battle, along with stating where you come from and what Tribe you may belong to. There are hundreds of different techniques in quillwork & uses for parts from a porcupine. Quillwork was almost a lost art form and over the last decade it has resurfaced and is being practiced more and more by our Indigenous youth and being showcased throughout the world.
My goal has always been to create beautiful things, I always strive to become better at my craft and I'd like to think as a designer and a brand it coincides.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
The process - the actual technique of wrapping and sewing the porcupine quills - comes naturally. It is something that I love to do and I never get tired of creating my artwork. A challenging part of my work is outsourcing different types of materials I use. I love to use brain tanned smoked deer hide for my products. There are many talented hide tanners out there and it is an extremely time consuming process which can be challenging at times.
Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?
Color is extremely important to me, I dye my own colors, so I am continually experimenting with different shades and typically have 30 plus colors on hand at all times - making it something I take my time considering before every project.
Color is extremely important to me, I dye my own colors, so I am continually experimenting with different shades and typically have 30 plus colors on hand at all times - making it something I take my time considering before every project.
Readers would love to hear about the collection you will be showing on the runway at New York Fashion Week SS24 in September?
My collection for NYFW will definitely be big and bright! Along with dark tones for many of my more detailed pieces. I'll be using some of my original styles along with a few new designs with many different color combinations.
Do you have a favorite look in this collection?
I will have a variety of designs & shapes for this collection, some of my favorite items are the tiered styles.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
www.ironhorsequilllwork.com
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?
The plan is to always create new original innovative pieces, looking forward to creating bigger projects & larger collections.
My collection for NYFW will definitely be big and bright! Along with dark tones for many of my more detailed pieces. I'll be using some of my original styles along with a few new designs with many different color combinations.
Do you have a favorite look in this collection?
I will have a variety of designs & shapes for this collection, some of my favorite items are the tiered styles.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
www.ironhorsequilllwork.com
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?
The plan is to always create new original innovative pieces, looking forward to creating bigger projects & larger collections.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to share not only a piece of me as an artist but to be able to share a glimpse of the many variations of Indigenous Quillwork to the fashion industry.
Links -
- Website - www.ironhorsequillwork.com
- Instagram - @joe.bigmtn
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Ironhorse Quillwork will be a part of the Global Fashion Collective shows Sept. 10-11. His amazing quillwork jewelry will be available for styling to all twelve designers showcasing collections on the runway in these by invitation only shows. Please contact Global Fashion Collective for more information or to request an interview with this designer at info@globalfashioncollective.com.
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