Spirit of Red Bull
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads'
Jewelry-Making Contest 2010
featuring Gemstones
Gold Medal Prize Winner
Category: Home Décor and Doll |
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Meet the Designer-Artist
Where do you live?
Henderson, Nevada
Describe your artistic style.
My artistic style varies depending on the media theme I use on a project. Recently, I have been working on a variety of mosaic projects. I incorporate my own designs and seek to create 3D images using beads, glass and semi-precious stones on items ranging from animal skulls to table tops.
What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I enjoy creating pieces of art which are original, one-of-a-kind works which are usually pleasing and easily identifiable while still using some abstract ideas.
What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I work in several medias, but my mosaics use materials including a variety of beads, stained and dichroic glass and semi-precious stones.
What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Spirit of Red Bull
What inspired this design?
A combination of several ideas which incorporate converting hand drawn images into a 3D realistic, yet slightly abstract project. It also shows how a spirit exists within.
How did it come together?
The project started as a mental image, then a rough draft sketch, but mostly, once it was initiated, it directed its own creation and modification.
Share Your Background
When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I started making fused glass projects about five years ago and one of my high school students actually had an idea to create a small mosaic surrounding a mirror. My work and my students' work has been evolving since that time.
Who introduced you to beading?
I was invited to attend the Las Vegas Bead and Glass Expo and then enrolled in some classes.
Do you have an artistic background?
I have a bachelor and masters degree in fine art and have been teaching art for over twenty years.
How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
I visited your booth at the Las Vegas Bead and Glass Expo.
What other hobbies do you have?
Lapidary, drawing, jewelry, reading and studying archaeology.
Beading Success
What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I incorporate jewelry-making in my art classes and also make my own.
If you use jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I participate in art shows and have work in several local art galleries. My website is a work in progress.
Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
My students and I do a yearly benefit through donations and silent auctions to raise money for no kill animal shelters. Our project is called Empty Paws.
Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Do what you enjoy first, your passion will show and sales will follow. |
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