Interview by Dr. Dawn Karima
Brooks has made items with various chiefs such as Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph and others. "I see it as a way of connecting the past to the present."
"I have always been creative; I have always had a love and appreciation for art."
DK: Such gorgeous art! Introduce yourself to us please.
SCB: My Name is Sabrina Cote-Brooks I am from Cote First Nation which is in Saskatchewan, Canada. I am proud to be an Ojibwe/Saulteaux woman. I am happily married with three children and I am a new grandmother.
I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from my grandparents who lived a traditional lifestyle; they instilled many of the morals, values, and cultural beliefs in me at a young age. I grew up with strong ties to my culture and take pride in who I am and where I come from. I think it is extremely important to love who you are as it is a reflection of your family roots.
I graduated from The First Nations University of Canada with a Bachelor's Degree in Indigenous Studies and a Minor in my Native language Ojibwe/Saulteaux. I believe education is our buffalo; it is a means of survival in the world today. I work a full-time job at an elementary school in the neighborhood in which I grew up. I create items in my spare time to feed my creative hunger.
DK: Who taught you how to bead/create? What lessons have you learned and how does that apply to your life now?
SCB: Both my grandparents were very creative and resourceful my grandfather used to make Cradle Boards from scratch and my grandmother used to bead the moss bags that were attached to them. I always remember her beading, sewing and creating something. My grandmother was the one who lit my creative fire and it has been burning strong ever since. I remember her telling me to always take pride in what I create. She would teach me to take my time, not to rush my work and when my work didn't look as good as hers she would tell me that everybody is different and to be proud of what I make. She was a very loving and patient woman. I learned so much from her. I carry these teachings with me today. I learned that it is okay to be different, it is okay to try new things out and it is okay that it might not be perfect. These lessons have helped shape me into the creative person I am today. I apply this way of thinking in everything I do from my job, to parenting, to all areas of my life.
DK: How did you know that crafting was what you wanted to do?
SCB: I have always been creative; I have always had a love and appreciation for art. I used to create all types of things, such as clothing, blankets and all types of jewelry. Friends and family would ask me to make them things. I decided to take a leap of faith and I bought a bunch of supplies and just started to create things mainly earrings as I love earrings!! So that's where it started. I slowly started to share my creations though Facebook and Instagram and built my customer base mainly through word of mouth. I also sell my items at local powwows and craft sales whenever possible. Creating helps me de-stress. On weekends when I am off work I love to stay up all night and just let the creative juices run. I love creating bright,vibrant colorful things!! I enjoy finding materials and envisioning how I can use it.
DK: Where can we see more of your creations or even order some?
SCB: I am currently working on making a website, however at the moment, I can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/whurlgurlstore and Instagramsearch "WHURLGURLSTORE"
DK: What are your favorite pieces to make?
SCB: Lately my favorite and most popular items are my graphic designed type items. I can put any type of image on various types of surfaces such as wood, shell, metal and plastic. It is a form of wearable art! I take pride in making these types of items especially when they have such meaning not only for me but others as well. For example, I've made items with various chiefs such as Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph and others. I see it as a way of bringing the past into the present by wearable art. I have people who ask me who they are and I share what I know about them especially the youth and it instills pride in who they are. When people see these pictures they are remembered and dialogue starts. There is a purpose and motive behind every item I create and no two items are exactly alike. I love working with various shapes as well such as geometric type shapes and animal shapes such as bear, turtle, horse and others. When I create it is like I can envision how the item will have some type of significance for the buyer.
