ABOUT GUEST ARTIST JAN

Hi I'm Jan, a Native American descended from the northeastern forest peoples. This is my first appearance on the world wide web, and needless to say I am excited! Thanks Heather! I'm leaving the woods for the world!!! I specialize in beadwork and dreamcatchers. Every item I make is handmade. My work has been featured in the museum at the Institute for American Indian Studies at Washington, CT. I have taught most aspects [general] of Native American cultures in one of Connecticut’s largest cities under a federal grant. I was also a master teaching artist under the Connecticut Commission of Arts. I am now retired, Ha! I seem to be doing more now than ever before! I am now part of the staff at the Institute in Washington. Enough of that for now, more bio at a later time….
You've probably all seen some contemporary and native beadwork, but you might wonder, what is a dream catcher? Traditionally a dreamcatcher was a circular shape with a web within made of vines and sinew, usually with one or more beads in the web. It was used to catch bad dreams in the web. Because bad dreams were crooked, they got caught in the web, and good dreams, being straight, went through the web and reached the sleeper. The bad dreams caught in the web were destroyed by the first light of morning. Today contemporary dreamcatchers may be made with metal rings covered by leather. They may be made in many shapes, hearts, diamonds, triangles, etc.

 

As you are probably getting the feel of, Jan is a very talented artist and I am very excited and proud to be featuring her unique native american designs. Her work is truly amazing, the quality and utmost care shines through in every piece she makes. If you have any questions or comments about her work, feel free to contact me.

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