“New year, new beginning”…..cliché or not, the start of a new year feels a bit like “clearing the decks”, starting fresh. I’m excited to figure out what’s next and I look forward to the quiet times of January and February to give the creative juices some time to percolate, knowing that once April arrives the quiet times fade away…..
And time flies! (yet another cliché…) Winter won’t let loose its grip, but I stay warm, tucked away in my little courtyard studio, working on some specially designed pieces for a young friend’s wedding and the wedding party. More on this another time.
After more than 20 years of making glass beads the main focus of my jewelry, in 2013 I started working to incorporate wire as a design element, using it for both structure and decoration. The newest pieces combine my flame-worked glass bead Anemone pendants and hair-thin steel wire, crocheted together with tiny colorful seed beads into a riot of texture and color. I am now exploring other textile techniques, using them to exploit the softness of the steel wire “fabric”; so finely worked it drapes beautifully, adjusting to each wearer. It feels almost weightless, the laciness simply complementing the glass.
Don’t Ruffle My Feathers
“Don’t Ruffle My Feathers” was made using the crocheted wire as an armature, connecting the glass feather beads into a multilayered necklace that moves with the wearer, becoming body sculpture. I have so many thoughts about combining these materials – with more coming as I work to make them real….stay tuned as I keep exploring!
I’m also scheduled to teach in May out at Snow Farm, one of my very favorite places in the foothills of western Massachusetts. I don’t teach very often, it’s hard to schedule time out of the studio, but Snow Farm is a beautiful, empowering place where I can just focus on my students while they focus on their learning…. I often leave feeling I have learned as much from them as I’ve taught.
So much inspiration….who knows what new pieces will emerge in time for the next Studio Tour? You’ll just have to come and see…..come take a peek into my studio. I love my job!
