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In this episode of Tradition Café, Ana Chavier Caamaño sits down with artist Nancy Johnson of Nancy Faye Designs to explore creativity, cultural heritage, and the unexpected connections art can reveal. From handmade jewelry and intricate pen-and-ink drawings to transformed found objects, Nancy’s work reflects a curiosity she now has the freedom to pursue in retirement.

For Nancy, the beads have something to say—and she listens. Their colors, shapes, and textures guide her jewelry designs, alongside influences from her West African ancestry and connection to Native American heritage. Rediscovering a forgotten Zentangle kit during the pandemic drew her in another direction, inspiring detailed works such as Balinese Boy and Costa Rica Mama.

“I’m not analyzing, I’m just creating,” Nancy says. Yet viewers recognize cultural and spiritual imagery in her work—including Taíno symbols she hadn’t consciously drawn. She reflects on the surprise of discovering what her art means to others, and the possibility that she’s a vessel for images whose significance she’s still uncovering.

Learn more about Nancy Johnson:

Facebook: NancyFayeDesigns IG: @nancy_faye_designs

Website: Nancyfayedesigns.com

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Support the show

Thank you for listening to Tradition Café. Visit www.traditioncafe.com for blog posts, news, and links, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for videos and updates.

Video Episodes on YouTube @Tradition_Cafe
Facebook: facebook.com/TraditionCafe
Instagram: @tradition_cafe
BlueSky ‪@traditioncafe.bsky.social‬