Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2010 featuring Pearls, Organic Beads or Kato Polyclay™
Bronze Medal Prize Winner
Category: Necklace: Polyclay (Tie) |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Huntington, Massachusetts--The Berkshires of Western Massachusetts
Describe your artistic style.
Usually inspired by shapes and colors. A clothing style, worn well, will give me an image of what would complement the attire.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I see a "look" that seems to fit with a body shape and style.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Bling of odd shaped bead/stones, polymer clay and art clay silver waiting to be cast into something wearable, particularly flowers.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Flowers
What inspired this design?
The color purple and a lovely model.
How did it come together? For example, did you plan it out or did it define itself once you began working?
It was mostly planned, but revised as it grew.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I lived on the "Rez" in Arizona and admired native crafts and the people who practiced them.
Who introduced you to beading?
A Navajo grandmother.
Do you have an artistic background?
Yes and no. I began sculpting as a young boy, enjoyed working with stone and brick, and made native leather goods.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
Through a local friend/designer.
What other hobbies do you have?
Leather work, sculpting, raft guide, anthropology, bike riding.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
Part time avocation--definitely brings joy to life by having the ability to create something of beauty, judged by others. It gives me defined goals to attain.
If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I sell by word of mouth and through galleries.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
Yes, I have donated high-end pieces for raffle and silent auctions.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
If you enjoy it, keep doing it.
View all of John's designs in the Gallery of Designs. |
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