CHOCTAW KEITH

Hi Everyone!

It is Halloween and I couldn't be more happy. I have the candy ready to go and the front porch is decorated, (it has been for weeks LOL) Can't wait for the kids to come knocking on the door.

Hope the rain goes away for that.

So while I am waiting for the night to come I thought I would introduce you to a guy that I think is pretty cool. His name is Keith but he goes by ChactawKeith. I find that there is an easiness about him. He doesn't seem to be hurried or pressured and that comes through in his art. Keith sent me a few photos and one of a piece in progress using my Nicole's BeadBacking. I am so fortunate that Nicole's BeadBacking has brought so many very nice and talented people into my life.

Keith is one of them.

In his own words

About Me:

I grew up in Carlsbad, New Mexico. I currently live in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. I am married to wife Julie. We have four children: Jennifer, Heather, Jackie and Chris and four grandchildren.

I am a graduate of New Mexico State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. I spent forty-one years with Continental Tire North America before retiring in 2009. I was corporate manager of their North America environmental programs when I retired.

I have always had an interest in the arts. I have experience in oil painting and stained glass. Julie and I are active in numerous community theater groups where we perform onstage and assist backstage. I have done a commercial for digital television for WSIU. Julie and I can be seen in the documentary "The Legend of Charlie Birger" produced by WSIU.

Design Inspirations:

Having grown up in the Southwest, and being a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, I have an appreciation for Native American design. My father was a "rock hound" and taught me an appreciation for mineral gemstones. On all of my Native American theme designs I try to use mineral gemstone beads in the necklace fringe to compliment the design.

How did I get into beading?

In 2002, we were in Carlsbad and visited the Carlsbad Art Association shop. There was a selection of splitloom necklaces by Frieda Bates for sale. We bought one.

With the necklace came a brochure about Frieda and a reference to her website. After reading about her work, I wanted to learn how to do loom beading. I sent her an e-mail and she replied recommending two books: "Out on a Loom" by Margie Deeb and "Beading on a Loom" by Don Pierce. With these two books, I began the most enjoyable hobby of my life.

Art By ChacktawKeith

WIP with Nicole's BeadBacking

 I am not a "blue" person but I love this and would wear it.

 I am a "green" girl and this is so beautiful.

Visit Keith at his Website

Drop him a note and be sure you tell him Nicole sent you.

Honor and Integrity in Life in Art

Nicole/Beadwright