Crystal Lepscier
Crystal Lepscier, enrolled Little Shell Chippewa, Menominee and Stockbridge-Munsee descendant, is an artist who often references traditional woodland floral work to help inform her contemporary floral bead designs. She draws inspiration from historical works, the natural world, as well as her cultural connections in material cultures.
“This bowtie is on a velvet background, with classic white edging reminiscent of ojibwe beadwork.”
“My work is reflective of my tribal background, drawing from woodland florals and the rich history of this kind of work. Typically my work is done with size 11 seed beads in various primary colors. The moccasins are a design created for a family of dancers, varying the colors but keeping the floral the same for each. This is to connect them and provide them a design which signifies their connections with one another.”
“The bandolier bag was not my design, but one that was already created and I brought it to the beads in a manner that was true to their original applique work.”
Crystal enjoys creating designs that represent the intentions of the pieces she creates, florals for a family, colors that reflect certain elements of someone's personality, and important identification that lies within the art of the beadwork. When Crystal is not beading in her free time, she's usually spending time with her husband, Justin, and their 2 children in Wisconsin. Crystal holds a BFA in Studio Art, an MS in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, and an Education Doctorate in First Nations.