My mother was a great seamstress, her mother too and I have a photo of my great grandmother relaxing with a huge piece of embroidery on her lap in the sunshine, so I imagine she was too. I've long had a love for metal work and decades ago took my first class in New York with Cecilia Bauer. But beads? I learned to do most of this from the internet and from books, so I would like to not only name but also thank the many artists who put their lessons online, whose books I've read and whose classes, one way or another I've attended and who have provided me with inspiration over the years. Many of those how-to videos have helped out so often when I've got tangled up or confused. I encourage anyone who wants to learn any of this to check these guys out.
Thanks to you all.
Charles Lewton Brain
Ganoskin
Cecilia Bauer
Bronze Pony Beaded Jewelry
Jill Wiseman
Kate McKinnon
Off The Beaded Path
Beadaholique
Sarubbest.com
Rio Grande
Some of my fondest memories from childhood are of looking out of the car window on long road trips to and from far flung, usually hot places. The sights and sounds, landscapes and colors always fascinated me and still do.
Now moving regularly between the Czech Republic, Italy and the US, I still love observing my environment. I have also had the time recently to explore a little of the surprisingly beautiful world of Czech glass. Although my work combines fine glass beads from around the world, Czech beads form the backbone of my work as they are simple, and plentiful, strong, and come in colors that make creating a completely natural process!
It started when I realized I could capture the colors of a beautiful scene and carry it around with me on my finger or wrist. Crumbling stucco on old walls, art deco tiles in the city, or the patterns light creates in water... it doesn't really matter what. With a needle and specialized thread in hand, I stitch beads of different sizes, textures and colors together to form unique pieces of jewelry that remind me of the spaces I've loved passing through.
The heart warming enthusiasm I have received for my work from friends and strangers alike inspired the creation of this website to showcase some of my pieces. While my intention is in no way to encourage frenetic commerce, I do make pieces on commission, for those who are not in a hurry and don't mind that I prefer to take my time. I delight in making something new every time, one person and piece in mind at a time. Frankly I find it hard to repeat exactly anything I make. Hence the poor showing of earrings.
If you'd like me to make something for you or a friend, please feel free to drop me a line on the contact page. Thanks!