Helen Wilson

Region: 
Beaufort Delta
Community: 
Fort McPherson

Artist Story

I learned to sew and bead when I was home with my mom. We learned a lot growing up, so I was able to do pretty much everything, and I kept sewing as I got older. I create art because it’s something that’s in my bones. I need to sew.

A couple of years ago, I was working at a program called the Success Program, and we had a teacher come in from in the community to show us how to knit beads. So now, every time I knit beads, I think of her.

One of my favourite things about my work is to surprise people with what I can do. They always ask, “you did this on your own?” I make beaver-fur mitts and rabbit-fur mitts with knitted bead strips on top of them, and those really surprise people. But it’s not just about looking good - my work is very sturdy. It’s one thing that sets my pieces apart. I use thick fur, thick thread, and work very hard so that nothing falls apart. I care a lot about quality – I want my work to last for a long time.

Last Updated: May 17, 2023

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