Artists and Designers

Photo by: Nadya Kwandibens / Artist: Celeste Pedri-Spade

Mohawk / Canada

Beadz By Dre

Discipline:

Craft

Andrea Johns (she/her) is a Kanien’kehá:ka/Mohawk beadwork artist, focusing on fine jewellery, portraiture and other wearable art. She works with traditional and contemporary materials to create unique pieces while supporting other Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs by purchasing and incorporating materials from various nations across Turtle Island. Andrea uses beadwork to connect with her culture and educate non-Indigenous people on the history and importance of beading, including its use in wampum and treaty-making, trade and recognizing cultural appreciation vs. appropriation.