I am self-taught on the beading techniques and construction methods that I use. I do a lot of research from museum collections or books to create my traditional work. My design influences are Southeastern Mound Builders and Woodlands. The work I create is a combination of contemporary and traditional because of the materials used, the design elements, to the construction of the finished work. Contemporary because of the use of the current Charlotte bead colors and today’s materials to bead on. Traditional, when I can find the materials to use as I am an urban Native American without land access to harvest and collect traditional materials once used.