About the Artist
Cassidy Fearer, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, is the Artist and Owner of Water Tupelo Beadwork based in Bluffton, SC.
Cassidy specializes in authentic beaded earrings and bracelets that are exclusively handmade by the artist herself in all details of the beadwork process. From designing to making, Cassidy has been able to reflect her heritage through her beadwork, bead by bead. She displays traditional and contemporary Cherokee elements in her pieces with the use of porcupine quills, silver, buckskin, and beautiful bright colors.
As most native artists are taught from elders in their family, Cassidy is a self taught artist. She never had the ability to be surrounded by her Cherokee relatives, community or culture as her Cherokee Mother was adopted into a non-native family.
For Cassidy, the art of beadwork has brought her not only a passion, but a way to deeply connect to her heritage. She is so grateful to practice this honored Cherokee tradition and to be able to share it with everyone.
Wado! (Thank you!)
Behind The Name
'Water Tupelo' is a large, long-lived tree that grows in southern swamps and flood plains where its root system is periodically under water.
I was inspired by Jeremiah 17:7-8
"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit."
After reading that, I looked up what trees grow by water, and Water Tupelo was on the list. I think I was immediatly drawn to the name because of my love for the song 'Tupelo Honey' by Van Morrison :)
Each Beadwork piece here is handcrafted by me, Cassidy. Every order is mindfully packaged using Eco-Friendly materials. All of my materials are bought locally and through stores online. My porcupine quills are all ethically and humanely sourced.
Thank you (Wado) for your support!