Bead artist Marvin Gabaldon (Acoma/Taos/Ohkay Owingeh) has worked with beads for more than 40 years. He prides himself on his unique designs.
“I am a pueblo bead artist, so my designs are a bit different from other bead artists. I draw inspiration from pueblo culture, but I also love architecture and landscapes,” Gabaldon says. “Many of the pueblo designs and Native designs and motifs that I bead are beaded into my interpretation of them. I bead using four different techniques: applique, loom, peyote stitch and lazy stitch. I also know how to brick stitch but I rarely do that.”
Left: Turtles at Sunset, salt and pepper shakers, 3 x 1"; Right: Electric Peppermill, 8 x 3"
The artist, who has shown his work all around the country, says that his work is often meditative and spiritual. “I pray before I start beading every day and as I am doing projects for people,” he says. “I usually have the person I am doing a project for in my mind and prayer. I was taught to bead by my mother when I was 10 years old. My mom passed 13 years ago, but I feel close to her when I pick up a needle, thread and some beads. I often pray to her for guidance.”
Loom Beaded Heels, size 8½, 5 x 4"
The artist adds that he has a motto that guides him in his studio: “If you can get beads on or around an object, then I will try to bead it. I want to bead whatever I can to show everyone that beading is beautiful and anything is possible.” —
Want to See More?
Represented by Montecristi Custom Hat Works
322 McKenzie Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501, www.montecristihats.com
www.marvingabaldon.com, (505) 927-2166 www.facebook.com/marvingabaldon • www.instagram.com/turtlebeading
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