Meet Kathy Kershaw

Many things have influenced my works of art. My growing up in Colorado being a major part. I studied art in college, I professionally trained and showed Arabian horses, and I studied American Indian art and culture in the Denver area. While learning the techniques involved in creating traditional American Indian style beadwork I was able to meet with the curator of American Indian Arts at the Denver Art Museum. He allowed me to study pieces in their collection and discussed the techniques and concepts of the items with me. In addition I was closely involved with the Native American spiritual community during the late 1980's. I began my life as a full time historic reproduction beadwork artist in 1991 when I moved to Madison, Wisconsin. Since that time my art is based on my dreams and visions with close ties to the traditions I hold dear.

In 1995 my knowledge of beadwork and my study of American Indian art and spirituality came together when I envisioned my leather Spirit Animal© necklaces. I hand sew, bead, and embellish each one with antique glass trade beads, Indian head pennies, and a often a bit of hair of the animal depicted. Included with each necklace is a creation story in which I explain the traditional meanings and symbols I incorporate in their design. I also occasionally offer a sculpture version with a steel surround and stone base.

April 2002 brought a new dream on which to base the majority of my works of art. I awoke with colorful horses with Indian riders running across leather covered cigar boxes. The dream combined my early horse years with my years creating traditional beadwork. I began painting and beading my Hailstorm Horse© artwork on leather which I then used to cover boxes. Just as I had seen in my dream. I continue to do the boxes on a limited basis. My work is now primarily created on various other leather items. Most are leather purses of various sizes and styles,  small pouches, wallets and checkbook covers. I also produce a small number of framed Miniature Hide paintings, and decorate a few jackets and vests. Each piece is uniquely decorated with my dream horses. No two are ever exactly alike. I make no prints or reproduction pieces of any of my works of art. Every one is simply the only one! To hand decorate each piece I use dye-based pigments to individually hand paint and hand sew each bead on the horses. I have chosen to make many of the leather items I consider as my “canvas” myself and to have accomplished leather workers provide me with some of the items on which I personally paint and bead each Hailstorm Horse©.

I hope that you have enjoyed learning a little more about me and my artwork. I do not offer a brochure. As you can see, I include only a few photographs of my work on this website. I also do not include any online purchase capabilities. I believe you should experience my pieces with all of your senses. Therefore, I sincerely hope that you will be able to come visit me at a show soon. I look forward to meeting you!

Warmest regards, Kathy Kershaw

Contact Meet Kathy Kershaw

website: beadedspirit.yolasite.com/