June Cree Medicine LaDue
"Rose Garden"
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| Blackfeet Artist June Cree Medicine LaDue |
Beaded Bag "Rose Garden" |
| Beaded Bolo Ties | Beaded Bags |
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" My heritage and culture cultivates the reflections of who I am. By cultivating my heritage, I must start from the beginning. The same reflects in my work from start to finish. My concept of visualizing the finished work takes a spirituality brought together by culture and understanding of who I am. " June Cree Medicine LaDue, an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe, was born in Browning, Montana, on the Blackfeet Reservation. June produces a wide array of art and craftwork including beading, weaving, jewelry, metal sculpture, ceramics, and painting. Using traditional Blackfeet designs, June incorporates her beadwork in bags, barrettes, bolo ties, chokers, earrings, feathers, coin purses, moccasins and belt buckles. As a youth, June observed her relatives, including her father, brother, and nephews, as they worked in a variety of media. After years of observing their creative talents, in 1963 she left Montana to attend the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. June credits her time spent at IAIA as the most informative and productive period in her career. Among her most inspirational instructors were Josephine Wapp, Comanche, who taught her to bead on a loom, and Neil Parsons, Blackfeet, who instructed her in abstract painting and collage. In particular, Neil Parsons' influence can be seen in her painted rawhide shields. After graduation from IAIA in 1966, June spent the summer working with Mrs. Wapp collecting plants for weaving and native dyes, as well as gathering wool for dyeing, spinning and weaving. June did not produce art or craftwork again until 1980 when, under Title IV program in Missoula, Montana, she helped conduct arts and crafts classes for elementary and high school Indian students. During this period of time, June and her students made moccasins, dance regalia, and headdresses. Having since significantly broadened her range of art and craftwork, June shares her knowledge and skills with participants of the Medicine Bear Lodge program, a homeless shelter in Browning, Montana, where she works as a secretary. Through her work at the shelter, June remains committed to her own artistic talents, as well as to helping her fellow Blackfeet appreciate and preserve their artistic and cultural heritage. |
| To obtain prices of beadwork for sale, contact Northern Plains Indian Crafts Association Museum of the Plains Indian P.O. Box 589 Browning, Montana 59417 (406) 338-5661 |
or contact June Cree Medicine LaDue P.O. Box 1804 Browning, Montana 59417 406-338-2769 e-mail ladue_ron@hotmail.com |
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