Throughout my life I have been drawn to many forms of artistic expression. The two things that have captured my imagination the most are beadmaking and photography.
I was bitten by the camera bug at an early age, intrigued by the unusual. As I grew older I began to notice that I viewed the world around me in terms of what it would look like in a photograph. And voila! A photographer was born.
I dabbled with acrylics on canvas, collage and pencil drawings for a few years. Then about 12 years ago I began dreaming of colored light rays, gemstones and textiles: everything in bright colors. I allowed my curiosity about the bright colors to lead me into exploring the world of glass.
One serendipitous day I saw Lampwork Beads on ebay. It was love at first sight. I knew I had discovered my new playground for color and began my investigation into how these beautiful works of art were made.
My wish was fulfilled quickly. I found a local glass supply store and the owner graciously gave me a demonstration at the torch. As I watched the magic of the molten glass becoming a bead, I was mesmerized. Then it was my turn...time stood still as the bead seemed to make itself. In no time I had purchased a torch, every color of glass possible and many tools I wasn't sure how to use.
It was a few months before I took my first class so it was the "trial and error" learning method. That was in 2004 and I still love coaxing the molten glass into new and unique designs. The organic flow of the glass is truly fascinating and a source of inspiration for my life
Most people ask where my ideas come from. When I look into the world around me, I study color combinations and imagine I am behind the camera lens. I seem to have more ideas than time!
