Heather FadnessJewelry, Painting and Photography
Nature based Ojibwe art.
Heather Fadness is a local artist who works in watercolor and silver smithing and other various mediums. In 2019 she took up watercolors, after experimenting with acrylics and oils. She loves painting nature, Native American themed art, animals and sometimes people celebrating her ancestry, though art in honor of her ancestry.
Her current theme is Woodland Style, which originated in the Ojibwe peoples. She is hoping to blend this style with her learning, not only to honor her mother, but all her native relations. She began working in silver smithing during her time in Washington as metal and stones have always held a special place in her heart. Not many know but, the Ojibwe people used to mine and work copper from the great lakes area, and in particular Ilse Royal.
Heather was first introduced to silver and gold smithing by her late uncle and godfather Alvin Fadness, who was a hobbyist jewelry and stone cutter. In 2020 Heather, began classes with master jeweler Barb Kenndy, learning different techniques, and ways to set stones. In 2022, she relocated back to Bemidji.
Heather is excited to share and educate people in the wonderful and beautiful style of the Ojibwe Peoples, woodland style though her art, even though she feels she is a student herself. Her hope is to bring this beautiful art form to the general public though her wearable art and paintings.
