Forest Floor Trilliums

Carrying on a traditional Indigenous art form is important for so many reasons, not least of all because it draws from a wealth of knowledge that was nearly lost, and helps preserve it for the future. WolfDen Designz’s forest floor trillium earrings represent such knowledge.

“Generations of Mohawk women before me created the same style of beadwork I do today,” says Staci Duchene-Wolfe, co-owner of WolfDen Designz. “That’s a lot of history and tradition passed down through matriarch to matriarch. It’s at the centre of who I am as an Indigenous artisan.”

The raised beadwork earrings were inspired by Duchene-Wolfe’s memories of trillium flowers that blossomed every spring in the Ontario bush where she spent her childhood summers.

A rare art form in Alberta, raised beadwork is a traditional style specific to Iroquois people, and Duchene-Wolfe’s forest floor trillium earrings showcase the special 3D effect of that style. Made with 98-per cent locally sourced Indigenous supplies, the forest floor trilliums have deer back hides and sterling silver hooks.

Duchene-Wolfe’s artistry comes from her peoples’ creation story, applied to the skills of hide-tanning, sewing and beading taught to her by her Kookum (grandmother). The forest floor trillium earrings are a prime example of the best in sustainable, authentic, Indigenous wearable art.

Such work, “asks each one of us to consider the way we engage with our environment, like the forest floor, for instance,” Duchene-Wolfe says. “The pieces I make are not fast fashion. I would consider myself a ‘slower’ fashion house, where my designs are carefully curated into small, but meaningful collections that can be handed down through generations.”

$200
wolfdendesignz.ca

What the judges said:
“The Forest Floor Trilliums have a beautiful design, and the workmanship is excellent. I particularly loved the raised beadwork style — it adds dimension and an added layer of beauty.” -Vanessa Marshall