This past October 12th, I had the honor of showcasing one of my most personal and dynamic pieces, Princess of Darkness, at The October Show, a SAGE One Night Only event. It was an evening of creativity and connection, bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds to share their work in a space brimming with excitement. The show was incredibly well-attended, creating a wonderful sense of community and celebration.
Princess of Darkness: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
For this event, I wanted to create something that embodied the balance between my Oneida heritage and my personal style, resulting in a piece that I feel truly captures the spirit of both. Princess of Darkness is a fusion of traditional elements from my Oneida culture and the gothic fashion aesthetic that I’ve long admired.
At the heart of the piece is a ribbon skirt, a garment with deep cultural significance, traditionally worn by Indigenous women. To give it a modern twist, I incorporated transparent spiderweb fabric, which layers beautifully over any outfit, adding a "gothic" edge while preserving its ties to our heritage. The overdress, a key component of traditional regalia, was designed with movement in mind. It swirls and flows, echoing the grace of our social dances while adding drama to the overall look.
The accessories for this piece are just as important: the beaded hat, arm cuffs, earrings, and boots all feature raised beadwork—a craft for which Oneida artists are well-known. Through the use of this intricate beadwork, I’m able to highlight both cultural tradition and my own artistic voice.
Embracing Duality in Art
The October Show felt like the perfect platform to share this work. Princess of Darkness is about more than just aesthetics; it represents the balance between past and present, traditional and contemporary. It’s a celebration of identity—honoring my roots while exploring new forms of self-expression.
For me, the gothic elements reflect a love for the dark, mysterious, and dramatic, while the traditional materials and techniques represent my deep connection to Oneida culture. Together, these elements create a narrative that speaks to the duality of identity, the ability to embrace many sides of oneself through art.
A Night to Remember
The energy of The October Show was infectious. Seeing so many artists and attendees engage with the pieces on display, including Princess of Darkness, was incredibly rewarding. It’s events like this that remind me how important it is to showcase Indigenous art in spaces where creativity can thrive.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the artists and share in this evening of storytelling through art. I’m excited to continue creating and sharing work that celebrates both tradition and personal expression, and I look forward to more opportunities to engage with the community.
Stay tuned for future events and showcases from Starr Merrie Native Gifts, where we continue to uplift Indigenous artists and preserve cultural traditions through art.
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