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Title of the work
Ensemble: Jacket, skirt, bag, and beaded mocassins.
Pauline St-Onge
Pauline lived in the forest on her father's hunting territory until she was six years old. She was taught bead embroidery and leather work by her aunt and her mother. In 1990, she took antler sculpting courses and an extensive leather sewing course at the Centre d'amitié autochtone du Québec. There, she learned how to make moccasins and Aboriginal clothing, leather braiding, embroidery, and bead embroidery. Constantly learning from other established craftspeople, Pauline is intent on becoming more knowledgeable about traditional craft techniques.
Description
(2005) Synthetic crepe, embroidery thread, smoked caribou leather, cotton.
"I wanted to make an Innu wedding dress in cloth but the material lacked fluidity. I therefore opted for a crepe fabric instead and thought of creating something more practical, an ensemble which could be worn during different occasions. For ornamentation, I decided to embroider flowers which are traditional patterns. Flowers are widely used in the decoration of our objects, but I designed this motif myself. I am constantly inspired by new ideas. I believe that for special occasions, such as ceremonies and baptisms, there is increasing demand for this type of clothing."