Wendy Little Bear
TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Penobscot
MEDIUM: Cloth, Textiles
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am a 55-year-old mother of 4 and grandmother to 15 Lil’ Bears, which means I am always busy! I am a proud member of the Bear Clan from the Penobscot Nation and love being an Indigenous Crafter.
In 2004, I started my mentorship under my Auntie Ruth Francis in doll making. She created her Indigenous dolls in the late 1970’s because she wanted to give her children and grandchildren Indigenous dolls, and there were none to be found anywhere. She called me up one day and invited me to tea and promptly sat me down at her sewing machine. Later that year, she introduced me to the Basketmaker’s and Indigenous Crafting community as her legacy to her doll making. Who knew that those first eight dolls, 21 years later, would turn into my love of making her dolls and many more that I have gone on to create. When making the dolls, I can still feel her love and hear her guiding me as I work along. I can hear her say, “Don’t forget the toes and to sign their bodies”. Woliwoni Auntie for the best gift anyone has ever given to me!
I also create different types of beadwork, candles, soaps, regalia, quilts, canned goods, and so much more. I am currently mentoring a couple of my grandchildren, as well as June Glossian from the Penobscot Nation, in doll making, beadwork, and how to make regalia. Maybe one day you will see one or more of my grandchildren at the head of Little Bear Crafts!
