By Kristi Spencer
The beauty of Big Spring Park in Neosho, Missouri, inspired this mother-daughter duo to name their business Big Spring Artistry.
Sheena and Arabel StandingBear weave culture, passion and resilience into every piece they create.
They offer a unique perspective in their art, producing everything from jewelry and apparel to one-of-akind items like painted turkey feathers and tree bark art. Each piece celebrates their heritage and connection to the land in its own authentic way.
For Arabel, a high school senior and proud member of the Osage Nation, her art is rooted in tradition. Inspired by the beautiful earrings she admired at Osage dances, Arabel learned to bead to honor her culture. Her mother, Sheena, was born and raised in Texas and encouraged her every step of the way. Sheena, a master angler and skilled hunter, has a love for the outdoors that she now translates into her work, drawing on her experiences in nature and her Texas roots to bring elements of wildlife into each piece.
Their artistry goes beyond their passion for creating; it is also closely tied to their shared mission of advocacy. Both Sheena and Arabel live with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic disease that can cause sudden, painful swelling episodes. Rather than letting this condition hold them back, they have transformed it into a call to action, traveling to Washington, D.C., multiple times to advocate for research and access to life-saving treatments.
Arabel, already recognized with a Youth Advocacy Award, is dedicated to spreading awareness about HAE and inspiring others who share her journey. When her health allows, she immerses herself in her art, drawing on her Osage heritage and love of fashion to create pieces that reflect her unique style.
“I really try to dabble in every medium accessible to me, and I do my best to make a canvas from anything that piques my interest, whether that be myself with fashion or ceramics with glaze. Every medium matters to me, and until I’ve done it all, I don’t want to slow down. I appreciate and find value in my environment as it shapes each and every piece I create.”
While most of their pieces are sold through social media, Sheena and Arabel also accept commissions. Sheena says, “We have quite the variety of creations available online for anyone to enjoy or acquire. We even have many of our previously sold creations in a gallery that’s made for viewing online where people can look over past pieces that have been shipped out across the globe.”
Sheena and Arabel are building something truly special with every bead, brushstroke and feather. Their work is to be admired and felt, carrying forward tradition, family and a spirit that refuses to give up, no matter the challenges.