A local artist is combining Indigenous artistry with the punk rock spirit.
Attendees of the Punk Rock Flea Market this past Sunday could see Mikaila Stevens working away at a tapestry of beads. Hearts and bones, iconic symbols of the market, began to take shape as Londoners shopped for handmade holiday gifts.
Attendees were also able to join in, creating their own mini murals alongside her.
“Long story short, I did see a video of these kids stringing wall hangings together with pony beads, and I thought that’s something that’s really cool,” said Stevens.
“It’s a skill that they can go home with and then keep recreating, in a way that isn’t [appropriating],” added Janet Antone. She can usually be found vending with other Indigenous artists along ‘Pow Wow Alley.’
The space was created by her to bring Indigenous artists together in community. Antone pointed out that since it began, many artists have reached out to be a part of it.
“You sort of just learn. Every market I do, even now, I’m still refining and learning more,” said Antone.
Stevens’ home has been the primary place where she works on the project. She noted that the personal often blends with the professional, especially in how her creative work intersects with her identity as a Mi’kmaq woman.
“When you have art and beading as a job, the creativity sometimes ebbs and flows a little bit differently,” said Stevens. She says the project has helped reignite her creative spark.
Indigenous vendors aren’t delegated to the space Antone has created. “That’s an important note. Even though we have this space and we’re creating this safe space, all of Punk Rock Flea Market is [safe],” she said.
Both artists have emphasized that ensuring the space is accessible for everyone to express themselves is as punk rock as it gets.
Antone runs ‘Ms. Antone’s Beadwork’ and Stevens ‘Flourish & Grow.’ The next Punk Rock Flea Market is likely to be held in the spring.
