Margaret Nazon
Artist Story
Like most young girls, I learned to sew by helping my mother. When I entered residential school I was introduced to new sewing techniques. I quickly learned to use the sewing machine and with that knowledge I became interested in altering and making my own clothing. Today I teach young and old to sew parkas; mukluks and vests.
I have always been interested in learning new art forms and new techniques, which I try to apply to my own work. In 2009 I started creating beaded space images influenced by the Hubble Space Shuttle Program. There are beaded galaxies, supernovas, stars and planets in my repertoire.
The beadwork is embroidered on canvas backed black velvet. Beads of various types and sizes are used in one project, this allows for a very interesting image. The beads are perfect for creating dimension in my work. I like the connection between using a traditional medium to bring new concepts to life.
I am self-taught in fabric art; I use fabric and thread to create wall hangings. The manipulation of fabric; embroidery and beading are techniques used to create northern landscapes. Designing and creating are the pathways for me to express my true self, and in that sense, I am satisfied knowing that my work is “original”.
Margaret Nazon is a member of the Gwich’in First Nation in Tsiigehtchic, Northwest Territories. Margaret’s medium is mostly fabrics, threads, yarns and beads. Her inspiration comes from the land, the awe inspiring cliffs and hills along the Mackenzie River, and the scenic Dempster Highway. In 2009, the International Year of Astronomy, she began to use the traditional beadwork skills she had learned as a child to interpret Hubble space telescope images. Since then, her work has been featured at exhibits at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife; the Glenbow Museum in Calgary; and as part of the University of Arizona’s Art of Planetary Science 2020 virtual gallery. Her art has been commissioned by Global Affairs Canada, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, and the Smithsonian Institute.
Artist Gallery
