Here is my latest work. It's a necklace featuring crystals and pearls set in three-dimensional right-angle weave. It was fun to put a new twist on traditional, elegant elements. You can see it in the Craftwear Exhibit at the Annual League of NH Craftsmen Fair in Sunapee, NH now through August 11th!
Making steady progress on my newest work. Last week, I was working on what to put inside one of the sections. I knew I wanted to use larger beads, probably pearls, and I had bought some gold pearls at my local bead store (shout out to Bead It! in Concord, NH) the previous week. I laid out the finished work on a white cloth and poured in some pearls. "Hmm," I thought. I took out the gold pearls and tried some white ones. Still not sure. Which looked better? So, I pulled out my iPhone and took a picture of both incarnations. Then I rummaged through my bead stash, hunting for other possibilities. I took some more photos. Being able to look at the variations one after another gave me the best way to see what I liked most. I've written about using technology in this decidedly low-tech medium in 2012; the tech tools are fun and helpful, but can't replace the "work of the hand." Yesterday I finished reading "The Art Forger," by B.A. Shapiro. The fictional story is about oil painting, how to tell the difference between a copy and the real thing and even the difference between copies and forgeries. Discerning the validity of a purported Degas, the protagonist closely examines the brush work, noting that experts have determined that brush strokes can be distinctive markers. She is able to tell a left-handed brush stroke from a right-handed one. Oscar-winning animator, Nick Park, creator of "Wallace and Grommit," has commented that in his labor-intensive claymation films, he and his team want the random thumbprint to be visible. They want reminders that their work is not a product of machines. A recent ad for the September opening of Laika's film, "The Boxtrolls," says is comes from the hands that made "ParaNorman" and "Coraline." The ad features hands painting hair, sewing a tie, and baking dozens of clay heads. In a world where technology is ever-present, I like that my work is handmade, even if technology can be a tool in the process.
Here are just a couple of the projects I have in progress right now. Both are necklaces. The smaller one I started about a week ago. The larger one has been in the works for over a year. I also have a frying pan for which I am beading an interior with words and phrases, like "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." I started it after I finished my vest at summer's end. I intended it for an exhibit that opened earlier this month called, "Hot Stuff," but lost steam with the obligations of my family in the fall and the work and activities surrounding the holidays. These are only a few of the works I have in progress. There are at least half a dozen projects in my studio. And at least three more downstairs, where I more often work, including two repairs.
I like my studio, and it has good storage, work space and great lighting including 3 skylights, but no real windows, and I have learned that I actually prefer working downstairs in the heart of my home, where I can look outside in at least 3 directions. Whether it is grey winter as now, or deep green summer, I love being surrounded by the outdoors. I live in a small city, but it feels more rural than the Pennsylvania suburbs where I grew up. In the last year, we've had deer, moose, and a bear in our backyard. Those are almost always fleeting encounters seen through the safety of our windows, but there is still a sense of connection with the wild world. (Though, I love that my windows keep the insects outdoors!) Also, while my studio has plenty of space for projects, I have learned that if my work is out of sight, I get caught up in the duties of mothering, housekeeping, and the various boards on which I serve, and it is harder to be motivated to work. So, I have carved out a space in the main living area where I keep current projects.
Having them in plain sight is a good reminder to be working. Having deadlines is a good motivator to finish. Guilt is also helpful. There is a fine balance between being excited by new ideas, trying new stitches or concepts, and bringing projects to completion. Sometimes a diversion is a good learning exercise. Other times it is merely a distraction.
Once a week I meet with a friend and fellow artist for lunch and conversation. We often do small work after we finish eating. This is a staple for me, and I think I'd be even more productive if I could manage another regular time with one or more artists, where we'd work, critiquing and encouraging each other. It would help as a motivator to finish more othose ideas I am juggling!
Last year at this time I was finishing the necklace above, a commissioned piece for an acquaintance. She described what she wanted and I designed and made it for her: right-angle weave links made of bright sterling plated size 11 seed beads. Both of us were happy with the result, which evolved directly from the piece I had just finished, "Open and Shut," which was a necklace composed of a rainbow of colored loop and toggle pieces designed so it could be taken apart and put together in many ways, to attract a child's attention. Imagine my surprise when browsing "Vanity Fair" on March 12th that I saw this photo for an ad for "Ce`line!" It looks like the "Vanity Fair" necklace has larger links, and I am not sure how they are made, but the similarities are remarkable. Previously, I had worked on several necklaces for an exhibit. Each was made of gold seed beads and pearls, some of which were being reused from a broken necklace that had belonged to my then recently deceased mother. The final piece that I was feverishly trying to finish for the exhibit deadline bore an uncanny resemblance to a piece that another artist, and friend, had submitted. I stopped work on mine and brought it to show her at a later date and we commiserated on the fact that ideas do sometimes seem to arrive in different brains at similar times. It can be frustrating, and it can induce a defensive reflex to prove one's independent thought, but it should not keep us from creating. I once read a book that posited that an individual genius credited with an amazing discovery was often riding a tide of research, public thought and trends, that might have been developed (or in some cases, actually was developed) by someone else a little later, or less publicly. Such breakthroughs help us all, no matter whose name gets the credit. Artistically, an honestly conceived and executed piece reflects the artist's vision and skills, and advances the artist's craft as well as all those who get to appreciate the piece. An atmosphere of goodwill, accompanied by careful documentation (I noted the date I saw the ad, to prove I'd seen it after finishing my own work.), can go a long way to protect each artist as well as promoting an environment of creative exploration.
My first post of 2014. Not uncommonly, I am of two minds. On the one hand, I read an article today about Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts in their upcoming film, "August in Osage County." The professionalism, work ethic and excellence these two women exhibit is inspiring. This as I opted out of an exhibit in which work was due January 3rd, despite the fact that I began a piece for this particular show in August. Along the way the last few months, I have spent much less time working than I like. Instead, I spent time attending my youngest son's sports matches, hosting a German exchange student for a month, and celebrating the holidays with my family. For us, the "holidays" begin with Thanksgiving, either quickly followed or preceded by my husband's late November birthday, through Christmas, which involves making gifts, coordinating and hosting a night of caroling in our neighborhood, this year, two family days since my middle son was across the country with his girlfriend's family Christmas Day, hosting a group for New Year's Eve, capped off with my youngest son's birthday January 3rd. I am responsible for nearly all the cooking, meal planning, meal shopping, gift shopping, much of the wrapping and decorating. (Did I mention that we also spend much of a day hunting, cutting down, and erecting inside our Christmas tree, which this year was beautiful and nearly 15 feet tall. It took 3 days to decorate and a full day to I decorate and haul outside?) For the first time ever, Friday night all 5 of us were here and each of my sons had a girlfriend in attendance. Special times that I value and in which I want to be present and involved. At the same time, I am proud of the beaded vest I finished in July. It cost me several family trips and moments. I am glad I did it, but I don't want to sacrifice too many of those moments, either. By the fall of 2015, My youngest son will head to college and I expect to have much more time to work. Without establishing good work habits, that won't happen, but I will try to do my best to continue walking this tightrope , finding the balance between work and family, trying to do my best in both.
Wow! WhenI looked at the date of my last post I was chagrinned. I knew I had lapsed in my blog posts, but I had not realized how long it had been. I spent all of my free time in the summer focused on completely my beaded vest, shown here on display at the League of NH Craftsmen "Craftwear" Ecxhibit at the summer 2013 Craft Fair. I will post more photos later. I finished late the night before it was due, adjusting tension and making finishing touches. Several times I needed to treat my beaded work like fabric and actually cut sections away to create a better fitted garment. That was painful! This was the largest, most complicated piece I have made. In some ways, the rote nature of weaving the same size 11 gunmetal beads in right angle weave over and over felt like drudgery. That said, it was also a project that demanded skills of draping, sizing, emotional impact and shape. At the opening, I overhead a friend remarking on it. She was amazed that this was my work as it seemed so unlike me. A powerful statement, and perhaps, a validation of my efforts!
I am working away at my large piece and slowly it is developing before my eyes. I set daily and weekly goals for myself. Some I meet, others, not so much. If I miss a target, I try to double down and catch up. Sometimes that works, more often, I just have to face myself and admit that I have only finished a lesser portion. The things that interfere can be silly or due to laziness, but most of the time I am busy with something else, often my family. Much has been made lately about women "leaning in" to their work. As someone who has spent my greater adult life in a marriage where my husband's salary is what supports us, and my primary duties have been as a mother, I appreciate the value of leaning in to make a career, a life, a difference in our world. Rather than view my life in contrast to that, I prefer to "lean in" to all I do as I am doing it. My children are widely spaced, and so I have been engaged in the exercise of parenting far longer than average, and far longer than I would have anticipated. Like some of the working aspects of beadwork, a great deal of parenting consists of basic tasks done repeatedly, day in and day out. As with my large project, the repetitive aspects of it can be tedious. Which is why it is important to step back and see the bigger picture, both as an artist and as a parent, person. I cherish my role as mother and know that while I will always be my children's mother, they will become adults. The relationship we have will be founded on those days we spent together and the passion and earnestness with which we lived them. So, too, my finished work will be founded on the small stitches, the incremental addition of each bead, the reinforcement and support. I usually have more than one project going at a time. Perhaps I should realize that I always have more than one project at a time, as my life as a mother, wife, sister, friend, child advocate and citizen of the world are ongoing every day as well!
I have plunged back into my big piece and I am pleasantly reinspired! Having taken time away to create holiday gifts and two independent projects, it was good to return to this piece that has claimed so much of my time. I am excited to see it beginning to come together. When I met with an artist friend, she was impressed with how much I'd accomplished and that, too, was inspiring. Doing a project with so much repetition can be overwhelming, but it is also empowering to create something significant. That is why mixing it up is so important. Trying to keep interested in whatever I am doing, and motivated to complete projects and continue to grow, I think a variety of projects is essential. Doing something on commission, like my last piece, or for a gift, the person figures prominently in my working process. A large exhibition piece brings other thoughts to mind. I want to create something that can be viewed by a large audience and that I will be proud to present publicly. It's a good incentive but also a bit scary! Having a deadline is also a good motivator. One thing that a large piece always ilicits from me and viewers, is the question of how many beads are involved. To keep track, I have a running mental tally going. So far, on just the back piece, I have over 20,000 beads! When I read a book, I try to finish chapters in a sitting. Here, I try to finish rows, or get another 100, 500, etc. beads added. Whatever keeps me beading!
Here's a look at my most recent work, "Linked In." It was a commissioned piece, inspired by "Open and Shut," the multi-colored necklace composed entirely of clasp elements. Both are made of three-dimensional right-angle weave and size 11 seed beads. I photographed my work over the weekend and delivered it today. The buyer was overjoyed! How marvelous to create something that can make someone so happy! I think it made both of our days! Once I officially finished the necklace, I pulled out my large work and started back on it in earnest. The break away on the last two projects, plus my holiday works, made it seem fresh and I am excited to get back at it!
I made these bracelets about this time last year. They are based on projects from the book, "Seed Bead Fusion," by Rachel Nelson-Smith. Nelson-Smith is one of several accomplished bead artists whose work I follow online. Every so often, I will spend some time at my computer catching up on the websites of the handful of artists whose work inspires me. I look at their work and use it to push myself to try new techniques, to go bigger, and to create work that reaches the next level of artistry and execution. Generally, I try NOT to actually copy anthing I see being done by others. I do take classes when I can, however, because I want to try new techniques and expose myself to the ideas and perspectives of others, both instructors and fellow students. For whatever reason, recently I haven't had the time to take classes. When I saw Nelson-Smith's book, I treated the projects in it as I would projects I'd done in a class. I did them to learn something new and work "outside my box." Both bracelets seen here are variations on a project in Nelson-Smith's book. I followed the basics of the patterns, but created my own . Even so, I view thse works as influenced and inspired by Nelson-Smith, so they do not represent my own work. The finished works were for myself--not for sale and not for my portfolio.