|
Black Magic Pendant
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010
featuring Metal Clay, Metal Beads, Wirework and Chain
Finalist
Gothica Necklace
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010
featuring Metal Clay, Metal Beads, Wirework and Chain
Finalist
Nostra Amulus Necklace
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010
featuring Metal Clay, Metal Beads, Wirework and Chain
Finalist |
|
Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Los Angeles, California
Describe your artistic style.
I love to design aboriginal, medieval and gothic pieces.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I have studied the Native Americans in my area and worked closely with the tribal leaders of the Tongva Nation. My niece is also into gothic, so I design a lot for her.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Sculpting bronze pendant, agate stone, wood and lava beads and precious stones.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Black Magic Pendant,
Gothica Necklace and
Nostra Amulus Necklace
What inspired this design?
My 19-year-old niece, Monique, and her boyfriend, Jack, love of gothic jewelry. I made Gothica and Nostra Amulus as gifts for them.
How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
I planned it carefully out and relied on inspiration and the many beads I have purchased from Fire Mountain Gems.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I started 15 years ago inspired by my wife's love for art and miniature sculpting. I made a number of small bronze pendants and began using beads to adorn them.
Who introduced you to beading?
I fell in love with Native American turquoise beading on Indian reservations in the Midwest.
Do you have an artistic background?
Yes, I have been a professional choreographer and photographer. I also helped my wife in designing her artistic paintings.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
Online. I was searching for wholesale beads to purchase for my 4th grade Native American beading at the elementary school I teach at in Culver City.
What other hobbies do you have?
Sculpting, oil painting, 3D photography, river running, Native American cultures and mountain climbing.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I was beading an artistic Native American necklace every year as part of our Native American studies. It is a hobby outside of being a full-time teacher.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Yes! I teach beading to elementary students to raise awareness of Native American cultures and their symbolic significance.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Follow your bliss, follow your heart. Bead to please yourself and express yourself, not to please another or copy another.
View all of Craig's designs in the Gallery of Designs. |
.png)
Create Your Account
