Hello!
To explain why beading is fundamental to me would probably take hours, days, weeks, etc. however in the name of brevity I'll try to condense.
As far back as I can remember, I have appreciated and loved anything and everything that is 'artistic'...music, paintings, dance, everything. My two brothers are both artists, one in mixed medias, the other a wood carver; my mother was a master seamtress, and my father was a tool designer (much artistic talent). Then there is "me"...can't draw a straight line, can't carry a note, have two left feet, and a sewing machine? forget that too. Coupled with all of this lack of talent, was this innate urge and overwhelming desire to be creative, to own a creative flame that would/could soar. However, it just wasn't in my 'cards'. For 40 yrs. or so, I lived with the passion and pain of no artistic talent/outlet.
Then one day, I saw a woman on local television, showing her beadwork -French Beaded Flowers; I was glued to the TV and was in awe of what she had created with beads. She stated that she was starting up two small classes to teach this 'artform'. Her phone number was on the screen and in about 1 split second, I was on the phone, leaving her a message that I would like to take her class. The rest is history. It was the beginning of an artistic journey, that 23 yrs. later, I'm still on.
I fell totally, completely, absolutely in love with beads. I took leasons for French Beaded Flowers with her for two years and when she had to relocate to another area of the country the lessons ended. Around the same time, a new, small bead store opened up locally, it was the first in our area. I visited there frequently and asked questions about differenct things one could do with beads; took some lessons on several techniques and struggled alot in this process.
I moved on to peyote, brick, off loom, raw, stringing, etc. I would not consider myself expert, I'm always on the learning curve, but always, always loving it. I admire the master's bead work, truly in awe of what they create.
Beading has facilitated and released my lifelong burning desire to create. Whether the finished product is beautiful or a disaster, does not matter...either can make my soul happy.
The piece (picture attached) was done using the technique of French Beaded Flowers. I donated this bra for a Breast Cancer Fundraiser hosted by www.womenstories.org for their Dec. 2005 Bravo event. I did it in honor of my mother who did not survive breast cancer, and named it after her "Sophia's Garden".
Late that evening, after the auction, while sitting quietly at my bead table, I talked to my mother's spirit, sharing with her, how fullfilled and happy I am...all because of my beloved beads!
Warmest Regards,
Leslie Jean Russell |
