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Through a
serendipitous series of events, I fell into the world of beads, much
like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Those tiny orbs of colored
reflective glass are most seductive. I learned to connect beads with
needle and thread into weavings of myriad shapes, textures, and functions.
As years went by, my identity stretched to include the concept of
artist.
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Off-loom bead weaving is done with a wide variety of stitches resulting in work that can be flat or dimensional, supple or stiff, simple or lush, sculpture or jewelry. Often I see an art bead, stone, pearl, or glass piece, and I imagine it supported or embellished with beads. Digging through my stash I fill a tray with colors, shapes and finishes. I make exploratory bits, start, and start over. At some point something pleasing begins to emerge, often developing in surprising ways. The bits that don't work go into my box of ephemera, perhaps waiting for another day. For years I have collected beadwork from indigenous cultures. When I discovered the work done by the Saraguro of Ecuador, it opened another world for me. In 2003 I spent a week with Saraguran beaders, studying their designs and techniques and learning about their culture. Since then I have taught my interpretations of their work with many beaders in this country. Beads seduced me into a new life. I have experienced the excitement of creativity, the satisfaction when my work pleases myself and others, and the joy of sharing my skills and designs with students. My past life was about parental and career responsibilities, using handwork and books for temporary relief. Now I live a new life participating in art and loving every minute. |
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I
am amazed that I now identify myself as a creative person, an artist.
Before 1990 art was something I only related to as a spectator. A
lifetime of needle and thread crafts gave me solid skills in embroidery,
needlepoint, knitting and sewing. This work was meditative, an escape,
and led to a sense of accomplishment when a project was finished.
But never did I think of these skills as art, a word that did not
live in my family's vocabulary. 
