Ananda X. Suddath, the artist behind Flintstitch Beadwork, was raised in the historic fur trade community of Fort-Coulonge, situated along the Kitchisippi (Ottawa River) in Western Québec, Canada. As a versatile professional electric guitarist since 2009, she has played with a number of Montréal’s award-winning artists and ensembles (jazz, contemporary classical, indie pop/rock).

In 2021, at her family’s cabin on the river, an unsolicited hiatus from her music career gave her the time and space to pursue a longstanding calling to explore traditional Indigenous beadwork. The experience—a fortuitous artistic residency, of sorts—has given rise to an all-new creative outlet, a full-fledged artistic practice, and a burgeoning career as a visual artist. From late 2021 to early 2023, thirteen pieces were completed in as many months.

Throughout 2023, Suddath focused on developing and launching the flintstitch.com business and website, and delivered 4 commissions by year’s end: Variations sur tes nuages, Proof, Miami, and A Cup of Kindness Yet, a custom necklace. Portfolio.

In 2024, Suddath worked to develop a small line of original beaded jewelry – [1] – [2] – [3] – [4] – and focused on building an online presence for Flintstitch (LinkedIn, Pinterest). 2024 also saw the launch of Matte & Shiny Objects, Flintstitch Beadwork’s “studio journal” on Substack, as well as the publication of several blog posts discussing her beadwork practice, the story behind one of her works, and more.

Darkest Before Dawn, an ambitious 24” x 30” mixed media panel, was undertaken at the end of 2024 and completed in early April 2025. It’s now available to purchase. Details.

Several other pieces, and at least one more major panel work, are slated for development and completion in 2025. Read about the burgeoning idea for the larger work.

Flintstitch Beadwork is currently based in Montréal.