Kathryn Hopkins

about the artist…

Hi, I'm Kathryn Hopkins. I am Seneca, from the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation in Western New York. After spending time away at college, and then in the Army, I now reside in Converse, Texas.

I am an Accessories Designer, and I enjoy creating handbags and jewelry. The materials I use vary from seed beads, artisan glass beads, textiles, leather and fur. As an Iroquois native, my style of beadwork is raised; this technique differentiates our traditional designs from other tribes or nations with whom commonly use flat beadwork.

As the youngest of three sisters, a part of my upbringing was traveling as a member of a dance group. We performed our cultural social dances at events all over the country, and even performed at the opening for the National Smithsonian Museum for the American Indian. Our mother would make our outfits and was known for her beadwork. Since then, her and my sister have become well-established artisans. It was in watching my mother bead that I developed an interest in design. I wanted to one day be a fashion designer with my own apparel company.

While in the military, I met my husband. It was on deployment my husband was severely injured, and ultimately died as a result of his injuries. This experience influenced me to evaluate what I wanted in my life. When I finished my time in service, I decided to continue by studies in Fashion Design. When I began to sew and bead, I found that giving something new life was healing. In 2016, I graduated with a BA in Fashion Management (with a concentration in Fashion Merchandising).

My designs come from the heart. I hope the wearer feels more confident, knowing they have the right piece to make them stand out!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HousofHopkins