As a multidisciplinary artist and craft person my material inspiration revolves around the craft history of beaded textiles. My beaded and sculptural practice is inspired by the lack of political and cultural history available to those with roots in heavily colonized parts of the world. My work aligns itself with the long history of bead work as a storytelling and history keeping device, while plain text acts as a stand in for the cultural touchstones that have been lost to colonization and the decimation of generational craft communities. I often reference how my own familial history has been lost to violence, the poor record keeping of various governments, and secrets kept by women who needed to protect their families. In beading statements, questions, and problems I am contributing to my family's written record. I am documenting my history as it happens.

Sophia Karina English