While at a powwow with her children, Diné (Navajo) artist Dyanni Youngbear Smith watched a dragonfly land on her beaded purse. That gentle moment inspired the creation of her stunning “Dragonfly Spring” pink, glass-beaded purse on which is a dragonfly made entirely of beads. Smith reflected, “I was fascinated how the wings made my beadwork look like stained glass. I just have an adoration for insects, and dragonflies are all over where I live in Oklahoma.”
“Dragonfly Spring” is one of four purses that are designed by contemporary Indigenous artists and now on display at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
“Dragonfly Spring,” Dyanni Youngbear Smith, (Diné [Navajo]), 2011; deer hide, cotton cloth, glass beads, metal, and thread; 30.8″ x 9″ x 1″. 26/9612
Photo by NMAI staff
Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and living in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Smith has been a powwow dancer since the age of 8. An accomplished bead artist, Smith taught herself the art form, and her uncle Roger Russel (Winnebago/Lakota) helped her refine her techniques. She has become known for beading intricate purses, moccasins, vests and powwow regalia.
Along with being inspired by nature, “Dragonfly Spring” incorporates gifts and symbolism from her family. Smith beaded on deer hide donated from her uncle and lovingly added that, “I was hoarding [the hide] for something special.” Her aunt, Cheyenne jeweler Victoria Adams, gave her the antique brass clasp closure, and Smith added the chain. The abstract floral designs with white outlines along with the tassels on the purse reflect her children’s paternal Sauk and Meskwaki heritage. As for why she added the pastel pink background and the blue, fuchsia and green florals, Smith disclosed that, “I never have a plan. I look at my design and dig through my beads. Whatever speaks to me is what ends up on the piece.”
The purse, which is on display at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., has won many ribbons. These include the Heard Museum Guild’s Indian Fair and Art Market Exhibitors Juried Competition Honorable Mention and Judge’s Choice awards in 2011 and Second Place in the Diverse Arts Division at the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts’ 90th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market in 2011.
In addition to her beading and powwow dancing, Smith has other talents. She was a chef before her son, Kealan, was born in 2004. Since he and then her daughter, Abria, were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Smith has been a full-time artist. Her children continue to inspire her art and life. As she did for “Dragonfly Spring,” Smith includes her family’s history in each of her artworks. Smith said of her children, “I draw inspiration from who they are.”