Meet the Artist

Behind the Designs: Akira R.

Akira is an Afro-Indigenous artist with ancestral ties to the Caribbean, the Eastern Woodlands/Southeastern United States, and Central and West Africa. Her practice is grounded in cultural heritage, community engagement, and the ongoing work of ancestral reclamation. Through her art, she seeks to honor Indigenous traditions while contributing a contemporary narrative that reflects her multifaceted identity.

 

As a familial and self-taught beadworker, Akira approaches her craft as a sacred and intentional practice. Each piece she creates is a deliberate act of resistance and cultural revitalization, breathing renewed life into Indigenous visual languages and knowledge systems. Her work stands as a testament to the enduring legacy she is proud to uphold and carry forward.

On a Deeper Level...

Artist Statement

"My work is a dialogue between history and contemporary—a visual exploration of what it means to reclaim and carry cultural traditions forward. I create not only to honor those who came before me, but also to contribute to an ever-evolving legacy of Indigenous artistry across several regions of the world. Through beadwork, I express themes of identity, resilience, and spiritual continuity. Every piece I make is an offering: to my ancestors, my family, my community, and to those who see themselves reflected in my pieces."

Cultural Influences and Inspiration

"My practice is influenced by the diverse cultures that make up my heritage, particularly the beadwork traditions of Eastern Woodlands communities, vibrant Caribbean culture, and the spiritual symbology of African textiles. I study historical patterns, ceremonial attire, and storytelling forms passed down through generations. These cultural lineages shape not only the aesthetics of my work but also its meaning as a tool for resistance, visibility, and remembrance."

My Journey: A Calling

"I began beading several years ago as a personal act of healing and cultural reconnection. Without formal training or classes, I taught myself through research, community conversations, and trial and error. Eventually, beadwork became a way for me to process grief, reclaim my identity, and create beauty in resistance to erasure as someone from an Afro-Indigenous background."

Materials and Techniques

"I work primarily with Czech or Miyuki glass seed beads, natural fibers, and reclaimed materials, often incorporating shells, bone, and other organic elements. I use traditional flat stitch and edge beading techniques, alongside contemporary methods to adapt my designs for wearable art. The process is meditative—each stitch is deliberate, echoing the rhythms of breath, prayer, and intention. I oftentimes bead in my ancestral space within my home or out in nature to help guide and inspire my pieces"