About Us

Heron Hill Designs


Heron Hill Designs, HHD for short, is a collaboration started back in 2019 by the two of us, Joey and Daniel, who are currently based in Michigan. Our work is a blend of contemporary styles of art and older traditional woodland floral designs, many of which were passed down in the family. All pieces that we make are one-of-a-kind and handmade. The Natural materials we use are hand harvested by us when possible or otherwise stated. Any materials that cannot be made or sourced ourselves, we outsource to our communities when possible.

We focus on creating with sustainability, respect, and conscientious consumption in mind. We love to upcycle where we can to help reduce our carbon footprint and waste. We’ve had the honor to be exhibited in museums, ceremonies, and weddings and are excited to see what the future holds!

Outside of creating our own work, we have started teaching classes and are excited to share our knowledge and skills with others.

  • Joey (He/Him)

    Joey, also known as Waasay Makwa Inini, is a queer Anishnaabe artist and has been drawn to beadwork since being shown the craft at a very young age from family and tribal school. Since then, he has taken to learning multiple indigenous crafts and the harvesting techniques they require and has focused on the preservation of these art forms.

  • Daniel (They/Them)

    Daniel is Roma-Gitane, Sinti, Asian, and Indigenous. They grew up as a self taught artist and followed that interest through a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Daniel is a talented interdisciplinary artist who incorporates intersectionality and inclusivity into their art. Having grown up with immigrant parents in a multi-cultural household has always driven them as an advocate and activist.

CV

  • 2021 MMIWG2S exhibition with Ziibiwing Museum on Saginaw Chippewa Tribe

  • 2022 Indigenous art show with Stellantis and The Lapeer Sketchbook

  • 2022 Feel Good Frybread w/ University of Michigan Museum of Art

  • 2023 Plainsoul virtual indigenous exhibit Link: Rock Your Beads Exhibit

  • 2024 Gifts of Art w/ University of Michigan

  • 2024 Kina n’da-nowendaaganag w/ Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum

  • 2025 Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation w/ Detroit Institute of Art

Want to work with us? Reach out!

Top Image: At the University of Michigan’s Museum of Art, Feel Good Frybread, 2022. Photo by Mark Gjukich.

Bottom Image: Andersonville Winter Art Market, 2021