The application of quills took various forms, all of which were time-consuming and tedious, but produced some of the most beautiful and natural artistic expressions known in North America. I have been doing quillwork for 10 years and find each piece an opportunity for creative expression. Having moved from Colorado to the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah has given me a chance to more fully develop my quillwork. Working from my log cabin studio and using a slightly modified technique, I produce quillwork much as Native Americans did. Many of my pieces are inspired by, but not copied exactly, from pre-1840 designs so that every piece is unique and has its own particular qualities.
Wrapped work is done on rawhide, never plastic.
A light coating of bear grease is applied to the quills after the piece is completed to keep the colors fresh and the quills from drying. We may be able to create a quillwork of similar size and shape or create a similar design for you.