Recently, we had the chance to host a virtual Q&A with Dalex, where we had the opportunity to learn a little more about her and her jewelry making.

What led you to begin making jewelry?

I was learning more about my traditional culture and my husband’s Métis heritage. I also found myself inspired by Indigenous bead workers on Instagram. There are so many good ones!

What inspires you?

Quilts. 90’s TV/Movie sets and fashion. Traditional Gitxsan and Squamish designs. I love a good colour palette.

Your beaded earrings are absolutely stunning. On average, how long does it take you to make each pair?

Thank you so much! Perfecting a design can take weeks. Once it’s finalized, creating a pair takes three to eight hours.

What role does jewelry play in your life?

Making jewelry is my job. I don’t have a big jewelry collection, but every piece I have has a story. Most of my pieces were gifts from loved ones, like my grandma or my husband. The pieces I bought memorialized an important memory for me, like my wedding, or a trip.

What are your go-to pieces that you reach for day in, day out?

The Granny Square earrings I make are definitely a favourite of mine that I reach for often. I love wearing neutrals so they’re a fun way to add a little pop of colour to my outfits. I also almost never take off my engagement ring and wedding band by Leah Alexandra and Ok Fine!

Can you tell us a little more about your beaded earrings and how they represent you as an Indigenous artist?

I do identify as an Indigenous artist. However, my earrings don’t stand for my Indigenous culture. My designs reflect my whole identity as a person, which includes much more than my heritage. Having said that, beading is a medium seen in a lot of nations, and it’s made its way to the West Coast through cultural sharing. I don’t only focus on traditional patterns, but as a West Coast artist interested in contemporary designs, I feel like I can bring something new to the beading medium.

Do you ever hit creative roadblocks? How do you overcome them? 

Not really! I always have so many ideas in my head and never enough time to try them all!

Describe your perfect day…

I’m a huge homebody so probably Sunday morning coffee in bed with my husband and dog, followed by a nice walk to get brunch on a patio. Finish it off with takeout and a movie!

Rapid Fire Q’s

Silver or gold? 

Gold, always.

Morning or night? 

I’m a morning person!

Earrings or necklaces?

Necklaces… oops!

Sandals or sneakers?

Sneakers.

Cats or dogs?

You saved the hardest question for last. If I had to pick… dogs!

Find Studio Dal jewelry in-store only, at Violette Boutique.