Parker Bourque is the beadwork and jewellery artist behind The Flowered Raven. Originally from Saskatoon and now based in Creighton, Saskatchewan, she creates lightweight, one-of-a-kind beaded earrings and accessories that draw on her Gwich’in and Métis heritage and her love of the natural world. We asked Parker about her practice, her materials and what it means when her work is given as a gift.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us where you’re from and where you’re currently based?

My name is Parker Bourque. I am a beadwork and jewellery artist. I established my brand, The Flowered Raven, in 2020. Connecting to my Gwich’in (Indigenous) and Métis heritage is a huge draw in my creative process. I am Saskatchewan-based, starting my art journey in Saskatoon and now currently residing in Creighton.

What type of art or craft do you create?

I create beaded wearable art. I specialize in lightweight earrings and create one-of-a-kind designs. My handmade beadwork comes in a variety of accessories including bracelets, necklaces, hair barrettes, bag charms, and moccasins.

How, when and where did you learn your craft?

My craft began in my last year of high school. I’ve always had a passion for creating art, and the love of beadwork came naturally. Growing up, I had been surrounded by the beauty of northern arts and I had the desire to learn them.

My learning process was simply teaching myself through trial and error. Throughout the years, I’ve attended a few workshops, learned tips online, and have taken in knowledge from family members. Overall, my biggest teacher has been experience.

What inspires your work?

Some of the techniques and materials I use are heavily inspired by my Gwich’in and Métis culture. However, the beauty of nature is predominantly the greatest inspiration. Florals, animals, scenery and more all play a part in my designs.

What materials do you use in your practice?

I try to use a mix of traditional and modern materials. I create with antler, home-tanned hide, porcupine quills, dentalium shells, seal skin, caribou hair, and silverberry beads. In addition, I use glass beads, semi-precious stones, charms, and metal chain.

“If you’ve given my beadwork to someone you love, I just want to say thank you.”
— Parker Bourque

How do the seven elements of art—line, shape, form, space, texture, value and colour—show up in your work and creative process?

Line, shape, and space are involved in my designing process, when I physically or digitally draw out my beadwork pattern. Value, colour, texture, and form all play a part when I create the physical product. All of these elements are important to creating the best art piece possible.

What does it mean to you to have your work represented at the Remai Modern Art & Design Store?

It means a lot. Having my work available to those visiting the gallery continues to fuel my desire to create. Being a Saskatchewan-based artist with my artwork displayed in Saskatoon makes it feel like a piece of me is still in my hometown.

How does it feel knowing that people are giving something you made to their loved ones?

Unimaginably grateful. I hope to make others feel confident and beautiful with my art. Having people give my artwork to their loved ones brings me one step closer to that goal. If you’ve given my beadwork to someone you love, I just want to say thank you, that is a huge honour!