
Artist Statement
I have always worked with my hands. My earliest memory is making a bean bag when I was about 6 or 7 years old. I was so proud and so anxious to finish before Dad got home from work, that I finished it with very large stitches – so large that it was always loosing beans. I learned a valuable lesson: It is more important to take the time to finish something well. My grandmother worked with me to make doll clothes for my Barbies, trusting me with her sewing machine. I learned to measure and cut and follow directions. Grandma also taught me to knit and crochet, while nestled in her lap. She was always working on something, ensconced in her recliner with her dog, Skippy, at her feet. She made marvelous things from thread and fabric.
Over the years as I became more proficient at needle arts, I would continually challenge myself to learn new things. I moved from knitting to crocheting to counted cross stitch to stained glass, always working on something. When people would compliment my work, I would always state that I am not talented, I just follow directions well. Growing up in a large family, we each had our claim to fame: My older sister was the social one; my brother the math and science genius; my younger sister was the artist; and I wrote. In college, though, I found out that I didn’t really write that well. So I followed directions!
In 1999 I was preparing to lead a design session at my synagogue on making Tallit (Prayer shawls) for women. My daughter, who was approaching the age of Bat Mitzvah, saw a Tallit on line that was tie dyed and had woven beadwork. She asked if I could do that. Even though I didn’t have a clue about bead weaving, I said, “Of course!” Little did I know where it would lead. I started learning. Her Tallit is a deep royal blue with silver atarah (collar) and corners. Nestling at the tips of the atarah, are two delicate fringed butterflies. My daughter, an adult now, cherishes her tallit; and I have a room full of beads of all sizes and description.
A pivotal point came a few years later. Our Christmas tradition was to visit Aunt Kathy, my younger sister. While she cooked dinner, my family watched movies and I made jewelry for her. It gave us a chance to catch up and get philosophical. She said that I was always the creative one in the family. I was astonished. I took her very seriously, since I value her opinions. I thought about that statement for quite a while. I decided, if Kathy thinks I am creative, I should do something about it. I enrolled in art classes at Elgin Community College with the idea that I would train myself to look at things differently. Ceramics led to fused glass and later to jewelry and a different way of looking at the world. Now I can’t keep up with my ideas in beading!
In the meantime, I decided to stop following directions. I embellished a dichroic glass pendant for a woman in my class. I liked the neck strap so much that I made one for myself. Then, I needed something to put on it. I made my first freeform woven piece (Tide Pool). It was a hit! Then came Lilac Freeform and Black Lace. After six years of beading, I had finally found what I love – freeform beadweaving. Then I figured out a way to bezel pieces so the backs would be visible. Now I bezel and embellish anything I find – gemstones, glass, shells, buttons. I still follow directions, sometimes; but now I write them too!
I started my business in 2007. I had to either start selling or stop beading. Having a business adds new dimensions to what I do. I am in the process of developing a web site and working to expand my business. It is a balancing act between running a business and still creating the jewelry that I love.
Awards
Ontarioville Art Show, Hanover Park, IL, September, 2007 – Best of Show
Bartlett Festival of the Arts, Bartlett, IL, June 2008 – Award of Honor
Ontarioville Art Show, Hanover Park, IL, September, 2008 – Award in Jewelry
Art in the Barn, Barrington, IL, September, 2008
Cherry Street Festival, Watseka, IL, August, 2009 – Best of Show
I have always worked with my hands. My earliest memory is making a bean bag when I was about 6 or 7 years old. I was so proud and so anxious to finish before Dad got home from work, that I finished it with very large stitches – so large that it was always loosing beans. I learned a valuable lesson: It is more important to take the time to finish something well. My grandmother worked with me to make doll clothes for my Barbies, trusting me with her sewing machine. I learned to measure and cut and follow directions. Grandma also taught me to knit and crochet, while nestled in her lap. She was always working on something, ensconced in her recliner with her dog, Skippy, at her feet. She made marvelous things from thread and fabric.
Over the years as I became more proficient at needle arts, I would continually challenge myself to learn new things. I moved from knitting to crocheting to counted cross stitch to stained glass, always working on something. When people would compliment my work, I would always state that I am not talented, I just follow directions well. Growing up in a large family, we each had our claim to fame: My older sister was the social one; my brother the math and science genius; my younger sister was the artist; and I wrote. In college, though, I found out that I didn’t really write that well. So I followed directions!
In 1999 I was preparing to lead a design session at my synagogue on making Tallit (Prayer shawls) for women. My daughter, who was approaching the age of Bat Mitzvah, saw a Tallit on line that was tie dyed and had woven beadwork. She asked if I could do that. Even though I didn’t have a clue about bead weaving, I said, “Of course!” Little did I know where it would lead. I started learning. Her Tallit is a deep royal blue with silver atarah (collar) and corners. Nestling at the tips of the atarah, are two delicate fringed butterflies. My daughter, an adult now, cherishes her tallit; and I have a room full of beads of all sizes and description.
A pivotal point came a few years later. Our Christmas tradition was to visit Aunt Kathy, my younger sister. While she cooked dinner, my family watched movies and I made jewelry for her. It gave us a chance to catch up and get philosophical. She said that I was always the creative one in the family. I was astonished. I took her very seriously, since I value her opinions. I thought about that statement for quite a while. I decided, if Kathy thinks I am creative, I should do something about it. I enrolled in art classes at Elgin Community College with the idea that I would train myself to look at things differently. Ceramics led to fused glass and later to jewelry and a different way of looking at the world. Now I can’t keep up with my ideas in beading!
In the meantime, I decided to stop following directions. I embellished a dichroic glass pendant for a woman in my class. I liked the neck strap so much that I made one for myself. Then, I needed something to put on it. I made my first freeform woven piece (Tide Pool). It was a hit! Then came Lilac Freeform and Black Lace. After six years of beading, I had finally found what I love – freeform beadweaving. Then I figured out a way to bezel pieces so the backs would be visible. Now I bezel and embellish anything I find – gemstones, glass, shells, buttons. I still follow directions, sometimes; but now I write them too!
I started my business in 2007. I had to either start selling or stop beading. Having a business adds new dimensions to what I do. I am in the process of developing a web site and working to expand my business. It is a balancing act between running a business and still creating the jewelry that I love.
Awards
Ontarioville Art Show, Hanover Park, IL, September, 2007 – Best of Show
Bartlett Festival of the Arts, Bartlett, IL, June 2008 – Award of Honor
Ontarioville Art Show, Hanover Park, IL, September, 2008 – Award in Jewelry
Art in the Barn, Barrington, IL, September, 2008
Cherry Street Festival, Watseka, IL, August, 2009 – Best of Show