This earring designer is going big and bold.
, sometimes even adorned with pieces of elk ivory. He says his designs are often inspired by nature and the people in his community. “One of my biggest inspirations in my life is also my grandma, who was an artist,” he says. “When I look at her beadwork, I’m always able to get into the mood—I just want to make something.”Although his creations are indeed beautiful, working with the razor-sharp quills demands a level of skill beyond just having an eye for design.
In the near future, the artist says he wants to start experimenting with new pieces. “I definitely want to get into bags,” Big Mountain says. “I also want to make specialty pieces, and larger pieces as well—pieces with even more work and more detail.” He says he’s inspired by the next generation of Indigenous artists who are taking up the art of quillwork too.