Thunder Bay-based Anishinawbe artist Justine Gustafson talks about returning to the path of her ancestors.
How would you describe your profession and your practice?
I do beadwork, mainly practicing beaded embroidery on felt, velveteen, and brain-tanned smoked moose hide.
Has your work changed over the course of your career?
At the beginning of my art career I used to bead regalia pieces for the powwow community. My art style at the time was very contemporary, making my beaded regalia pieces unique. In recent years I decided beading contemporary florals was no longer for me and I went back to my roots as Anishinawbe and followed the path of my ancestors and started beading modern florals. I still dabble in contemporary arts, beading portraits, animals, etc…
What was your “eureka!” moment that made you realize that art/design was the route you wanted to take?
Growing up I’ve always been a fan of the arts. Drawing was the first art form I picked up and it opened doors to other mediums, and that’s where I found bead embroidery. My mother, Shannon, was the one who showed me this art form and it’s been my favourite medium ever since.
Is your work inspired by anything in particular? What turns you on creatively?
My inspiration comes from other beadwork artists, my family, and my ancestors. They are the ones that help drive me to be creative.
Which designers or artists inspire you and why?
My Mother. She is the one that showed me and taught me this way of life.
What is the name of the DesignTO Project you’re exhibiting in and what is the name of the piece you are sharing?
I’m showing work in the DesignTO-curated exhibition ‘REVIVE.’ The piece I’m showing is “tikinaagans Radical Stitch – Let’s heal together.” Tikinaagans are traditional baby carriers used by the Ojibwe.
What can attendees expect to experience when seeing your work?
I hope that the community will find admiration when viewing my art works.
Lastly, what random fact about yourself would you like to share with the DesignTO community?
I’m obsessed with beads.
‘REVIVE’ is just one of over 100 free window installations, exhibitions and events at the 2025 DesignTO Festival, January 24 – February 2, 2025. Visit the Festival Schedule to learn about these projects and more.
