Private Commissions

Beaded Necktie

2009

Commissioned by Bee Ladd, Brooklyn, New York
Medium: Glass beads, thread
Dimensions: 57 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 1/8 in.
Photograph: Courtesy of the artists
Created in: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Artists’ Registration Number: 2009.039.001
Photograph: Courtesy of the artists

Exhibition History: Function and Fantasy: Steven and William Ladd, Mingei International Museum, San Diego, California, 2014. Curator: Christine Knoke

Commission Overview
In 2009, our sister Bee commissioned a hand-loomed beaded necktie. At the time, we were working in our South Williamsburg studio in Brooklyn, and Bee was living in Bushwick, in the same building we first lived in when we moved to New York City. She was in the habit of supporting our early artistry and would often commission something from us to help pay the rent or bills.

Artistic Approach
When William was working on these loomed beaded works, he had developed a kind of geometric language. In this instance, the tie features an alternating pattern of vertical and horizontal lines that seem to be stacked and packed within the form. The squared-off ends recall the knit ties our mom once bought us as kids.

These ties were originally built on a Mirrix loom that William purchased early on, but over time he designed and built his own looms that were narrower and better suited for neckties and tape necklaces.

Engagement and Impact
For Bee, the tie was a personal and familial commission. For us, it was continued support from our sister, who always believed in our work and helped to keep our artistry moving forward.

Context and Legacy
This commission reflects a formative period in our practice. It embodies William’s evolving beadwork language, our family’s steady support, and the realities of sustaining an art practice in New York.