In the wide-open landscapes of the Southwest, where the colors of the desert blend seamlessly with a rich history of culture and tradition, an artist found her calling. With a lifelong passion for the native lands of Arizona and New Mexico, Brannon has spent decades honing her craft, drawing inspiration from ancient motifs and the timeless art of beadwork. From her start as a colorist on wood to her current evolution as a bead artist, Brannon’s work reflects a deep connection to the West and its symbolism. In this interview, we explore the heart of her creative journey, the influences behind her designs, and the significance of the ancient symbols that continue to inspire her art today.
“Having spent most of my life in the Southwest, I have always had a natural passion for its wide-open spaces, distinctive colors, and its free-spirited lifestyle. It was during this period that I developed a deep appreciation for the native lands of Arizona and New Mexico, and through that exposure to tribes and their artisans I developed my art form.
As a trained acrylic artist, I worked primarily as a colorist in ancient motifs, designed and painted on wood. The bead work was simply an evolution which followed in the late 1970s, primarily as a result of admiring and studying the Navajo bead artists. My work maintains the basic colors of the desert landscapes, which connected with my interest in ancient symbols. The simplicity of both connected into my artform.
Living the Western lifestyle, my craft was a natural fit for those also living the same life, as it opened doors for me professionally to show in the Rodeo and Reining Cow Horse world. Bead work is historic in so many cultures, and if one was raised in the West they have been exposed to Native bead work. It created a natural and appreciative client base. I still travel the reservation lands as well as old wagon train trails, loving the wide-open spaces, studying the history of the West… full of color which continually inspires me.
I now reside in Northern Nevada, living in harmony in this region’s high mountain desert surrounded by the enormous energy of ancient pinion, squaw tea and desert sage.
We met you at Cowboy Christmas show at NFR. Your booth was hopping with energy. Tell us why you do what you do.
It’s always been that way, no matter where I show. Perhaps it has a lot to do with I simply love what I do, and it shows. When you come into the booth and are interested in any of my pieces, it’s an instant connection for me. If you like what I create, you will like my work as it is an extension of myself. You simply do not put a piece on and go. People are interested in the symbolism on each piece and how personal it can connect to their lives. It takes time and within that period, a true relationship develops, that most have lasted a lifetime. It is very rare that negativity on any level comes into the booth. Everyone that comes in, has a smile on their face…and they have a ‘bead story’. Their mother, their aunt….they lived near a reservation, they all have a fun and happy bead story from their history. Even men come in and say “I learned how to bead in Boy Scout camp”. Personally, I love to hear their stories…it’s genuine and creates a very positive vibe that is apparent.
What is/are the inspiration(s) behind your designs?
Since a young girl I have traveled the Southwest and visited Petroglyphs and other symbols of Rock Art. The simplicity of it was my immediate attraction. That lead me to learning what these ancient symbols stood for and have ever since loved that path. My designs are not original. They are of ancient creation….I simply create them in a Contemporary Design and bring new color to them. The use of these ancient symbols were by the Mayan, the Aborigine, the Asian, European, to the South African to the Hopi and the Navajo…the symbols are the same in each culture, however, the interpretation varies, however, it is a true common thread. Once you hear the definitions of each symbol, you can relate on how simple it all was….and still is.
Do you have a symbol that means something special to you?
They are all so personal to me because of their simplicity. These symbols were created thousands of years ago and their basic meanings of each symbol literally applies to current civilization we are living. They are based on protection, grounding, energy, safety, eternal……all simple and foundations we live on in today’s world.
Your website www.desertsagebeadart.com is jam packed with fantastic art – from cuffs to belts to crosses. What are the most popular requests you receive?
Cuffs, Brands, Belts….it is constant. I believe because I keep my work simple, using only 3-4 colors…simple is timeless. Whatever is created will never go out of style. The website is set up from a ‘color base’ to ‘symbolic’ options. I’ve staged the website for those to be able to select from either.
The crosses and neck pieces are old cans that I find at old Cowboy Dumps. Walking through the desert you come across them from old wagons to open range families coming through the west. They create dumps loaded with history…from old cans, bottles broken china to children’s toys made from earth findings. I simply take the old cans and cut them up….and make pieces. The old Pioneer glass is cleaned and hangs in my studio window. When the morning sun comes through, it creates a prism through the entire room. I always wonder, ‘who were they’.
If we bumped into one of your customers, what would you want them to say about your craftsmanship?
Hopefully, they would have enjoyed the relationship that was created. It is learning about them, their family history and the ‘reason why’ a certain design is passionate to them. Each cuff is personally hand crafted by myself. I cut the metal, I cover it, then I attach a bead strip to it…all hand sewn. In the years that I have been in business, ‘repairs’ are few….so I do believe they appreciate the craftsmanship. However, the greatest compliment is not ‘man, can she bead beautifully’, rather ‘working with HER is wonderful, easy and fun’.
Tell us something exciting that is on your bucket list?
I am living my bucket list. I have always been an artist and I truly am living every dream I have ever had. I have been so very fortunate in my life to have lived and learned…and continue to learn. The relationships that I have created and the craft that has been so respected. I look back and realized I have not missed one thing. If anything, I would only want more time to stay healthy, walk the desert lands, live under a big blue sky and smell the sagebrush.
See Brannon’s artwork at www.desertsagebeadart.com
Photography by Olie Moss (www.oliesimages.com). This article was originally written for the Spring 2022 Issue of Modern Cowboy Magazine. (Previously known as Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine). Catch more stories from this issue below!
