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Having lived abroad and traveled extensively over
a period of many years, I was inextricably affected by the people
and places I saw. The pungent smells of exotic markets, the sounds
of a riotous melodic din and vibrant colors imprinted their vivid
density on my traveler's soul. These sensations offered my artist's
eye the possibility of expressing texture and timeless expression
with beads, cords and finally metal.
In my twenties I went to Europe to explore the world
and ended up staying there for 14 years. I settled in Spain and during that time
I traveled far and wide to seek adventure and experience. During this time I
met my future husband and gave birth to my first son. I lived simply in an ancient
stone house and absorbed a flavor of earthy people.
I studied tapestry weaving in this period and sold my
work in galleries and privately. But my interest in ethnic personal adornment
intrigued me primarily. My years spent working and trading in Spain, Tunisia
and India provided the experience and exposure that lead to the opening of my
bead store, Chester Bead, once I returned to the United States, in Northern California.
It was during this time when I was nurturing my two young children and running
the bead store that I honed my skills in jewelry making. I am mostly self-taught,
but have taken courses in metal working techniques. I now have a full metal studio,
in addition to a bead studio. This is a wonderful and inspiring stuation
for which I am eternally grateful.
Each piece of adornment I create is unique. My collection
is constantly growing as I explore the diversity of materials. I hope my work
conveys to you the feeling of intensity and delight that I experience each time
I immerse myself in the creative process using beads, cording and metals. |
