Beanna Deis

Yoni with Beads

8”x8” mixed media (acrylic, ink and glass beads) on canvas - 2020

This piece explores the vulva using paint and beads, combining my two favourite mediums. Art has been a historically male-dominated medium, so expressing femininity through art is a way of decolonizing. Even in the indigenous community, the painting world has been dominated by men. This piece honours the strong and resilient women in my community, revitalizing the matriarchy.  

Artist Bio

My name is Breanna Deis and I am a 2-Spirit Ulkatcho Dene artist from Vancouver who specializes in acrylic painting and beadwork. Beading is my latest artistic endeavour that brings me so much joy. Beading is medicine, it helps me relax and reconnect to my culture and community. My lifelong passion is dedicated to my exploration of my indigenous heritage through portrait painting. My recent pieces have reflected my own experiences and have been inspired by various Dene and Coast Salish artists such as Lawrence Paul and John Rombough.