(Beaded Shoes by Sandra Okuma, Shoshone/Luiseno, at the 2011 SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market. Photo by Amber-Dawn Bear Robe)
My friend Amber-Dawn Bear Robe spotted these awesome shoes at the Santa Fe Indian Market last weekend. They are made by Sandra Okuma, who is of Shosone-Banock and Luiseno heritage. With an education in commercial art from Los Angeles Tech, she worked as a graphic designer for a number of years. She is inspired by antique Indian beadwork as well as contemporary powwow regalia to create masterly paintings and beaded items. Her vibrantly-colored paintings depict people of all ages and tribal affiliations in elegant powwow-style clothing with beaded accessories.
