hello! My name is Johnny McCraigie. I am a proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. I have been an artist for as long as I can remember and my work is rooted in my family, culture, and personal experiences.
Beading is more than a Native art form to me, it’s a way for me to practice my upbringing and teachings, where we used what was available and from the land to use our imagination to make toys, to collect resources, work with our horses, and make presents for our family. In 2020, I started making handmade items reflective of my culture, personal, and contemporary expression by beading and it quickly became an integral part of my life! I gradually expanded to other natural materials like shells, furs, quills, and antlers then fell in love with sewing to make wearable art like ribbon skirts, shirts, coats for humans and dogs, and hats. This bead journey also motivated me to revisit traditional art forms like yarn bag weaving and pine needle coiling.
When I'm not working on my art, I am hanging with my two pups (a chihuahua and a shar pei/boxer), and my lovely partner of 5 years. My life and surroundings continually influence my art, and I am grateful to be on this artistic journey.
nínwiʔs ɬwikn̓tsn̓ uɬ limlmtx
see you later and thanks!
Follow me on my Instagram @snklip.art and my Facebook @snklip.art.
Atzi and Chata posing for the camera
