About the Artist

Welcome! I am Dusti Lockey, named Summerbird by family and friends.

The beadwork and gourd art on these pages are created using only the finest available materials such as braintan buckskin and Czech or Italian seed beads. Everything is hand stitched using artificial sinew. I use nymo thread for the beadwork and will do traditional work using deer sinew, by special request.

I am a proud member of the American Indian Arts Council in Dallas, Texas, the American Indian Chamber of Commerece of Texas, the American Gourd Society, and the Great Dane Club of America.

I do not grow my own gourds, preferring to purchase most of them from local growers. Since all gourds start out the same, one needs to seek the heart of each gourd and find what it would like to become. The beadwork on all gourds is done using traditional techniques, each stitch going completely thru the gourd. The inside threads are protected carefully using a special treatment.

I have been doing beadwork for over 25 years, learning from my Oglala Lakota extended family. My work is exclusivley availabe only thru me or at Three Rivers Trading Post in Tularosa, N.M. I can be found set up at various Pow Wows and Fine Art Shows thru out the U.S. Please check Upcoming Events page often as I add shows as I book them. I take all of my own photographs, an art all its own.

On a personal note - I have one son and two beautiful granddaughters. I share my life with Rescued Great Danes and rescued Snowshoe cats.

I have competed in AKC competitive obedience with my Danes, and volunteered with Great Dane Angel Network for 11 years.

Please contact me at summerbird@cebridge.net should you have any questions. I am always happy to answer. Commissions accepted by appointment only!