Devin Knezacek

Stewiacke, Nova Scotia

Beadwork, Jewelry

Devin Knezacek is a member of Ta’an Kwäch’än and was raised in Whitehorse, Yukon by his mother, among other Ta’an family including his great grandmother and skilled beader Sophie Miller. His beadwork uses a mix of beads, dentalium shells and gemstones, and his aim is to create treasured pieces of art that make you feel proud and beautiful.

“I remember my mom had a pair of slippers made by my grandma that had these really lovely blue wild roses on them which were one of my moms’ most cherished possessions for years and years. After receiving my own pair of wedding slippers, from my mom, as well as really beautiful medallions made for me and my husband as gifts from an artist friend, Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé I felt inspired and touched by the labour and love and craftsmanship that went into these gifts. I decided I wanted to create gifts that would be cherished and loved as much as I loved those slippers and medallions, and so began my learning journey, aided from advice from my Mom and my friend Teresa, as well as observation from other bead artists.

The world of beadwork was open to me, and I devoured all knowledge I could on the art. I really value good materials and good quality beads, and have really become enamoured with dentalium shells as well as gemstone beads. I find my preferred bead style is contemporary, with some influences from my grandmas’ beadwork. She used a lot of concentric colours, as well as organic shapes. I enjoy beading illustrations of natural flora, keeping things simple, elegant and wearable.

I now live in Nova Scotia with my husband, and something I took for granted in the Yukon, and the west coast in general is the overall prevalence and visibility of indigenous art and influence. I was really spoiled in that regard, growing up on my traditional territory. Aside from making really wonderful gifts and treasures, I strive to bring traditional beadwork styles more into the mainstream on the east coast. Beadwork has brought be fulfilment as well as connection to my home despite the long distance.”