Wanesia Spry Misquadace is a member of the Fond du Lac Band of the Ojibway in Minnesota. Highly adept at the traditional Ojibway practice of making wigwas mamacenawejegam, otherwise known as “transparencies” or “chews,” Misquadace utilizes the eye tooth to firmly bite designs into birch bark. A preserver of traditions and this dying art form, she is honored to be a part of bringing awareness of birch bark biting to the forefront in the contemporary art world. Also a skilled silversmith, Misquadace’s experience with precious metals has culminated in the fusion of birch bark biting design with silver and gold to create canisters and jewelry. Misquadace is also proud to include basketry, beadwork and photography in her body of work.
(Bio Source; Artwork is copyright of the artist.)