Fairytale Neckpiece

Artist / Maker Joyce J. Scott ((American, b. 1948))

Date2020

MediumPeyote Stitch, woven glass beads, thread.

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LinePurchased by University Museums with funds from the Joyce Tomlinson Brewer Fund for Art Acquisition and Barbara Woods. In the permanent collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2020.38

Status

Not on view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextJoyce J. Scott is a dynamic artist and performer, best known for her use of beadwork as her artistic medium of choice. Scott uses beads to create intricate three-dimensional sculptures and neckpieces that are commentaries on a range of subjects: racism, misogyny, equality, her heritage, and much more. Art has always surrounded Scott as she grew up learning from watching her mother, fiber artist Elizabeth Talford Scott, create uniquely stitched quilts (Elizabeth had learned to quilt from her mother), and she draws greatly on the artistic heritage of her family and culture. Her beadwork uses those traditional techniques to address contemporary issues in a bold and confrontational manner, creating works of art that are both beautiful and significant. Scott was named a MacArthur Fellow, also known as the MacArthur “Genius Grant”, in 2016, solidifying her status as an important American artist whose art continues to push boundaries. The creation and use of glass beads has existed since humans first discovered the ability to make glass four thousand years ago. Glass beads transcend cultures, as they have been made, traded, and used throughout the world. Their importance as an aspect of glassmaking, culture, and trade are omnipresent throughout history, yet their small size allow beads to be easily overlooked. University Museums’ glass collection includes few examples of beads and just one 19th century example of beadwork. The beadwork of Joyce J. Scott connects to both the historic and contemporary glass collection, while also representing a prominent voice in contemporary art passionately using her artwork to further the understanding and acknowledgment of the societal issues that plague African Americans in this country. Adding her Fairytale Neckpiece to University Museums’ permanent collection adds diversity to the glass collection, a medium that lacks diversity in general, but also an artist that uses her art to connect with her ancestors, while speaking beautifully to her present time and place.

Locations