Textile designer transforming photographs & other substrates into beaded works of art.
I use vintage sequins & beads to create dimensional artworks.
Born in Brooklyn, based in Fort Mill, SC
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artist statement
My over 40 year career as a textile designer was focused on developing fabrics for the office and hospitality markets.
The demands of the industry in terms of price, quality and performance standards often frustrated my creative process.
In my desire for fewer constraints, I moved away from the industry and discovered off loom bead weaving. The flexibility of the medium allowed me to cast away the limitations previously encountered, presenting the opportunity for invented exploration and play.
Through a fortunate connection, I obtained an expansive collection of vintage seed beads and sequins which were manufactured in Europe during the 1920’s and 30’s. Having kilos of beads available to me rather than the standard tubes’ worth one would normally purchase, I was able to think, design and fabricate personal adornment pieces on a much grander scale.
During the Covid shutdown, I rediscovered the sequin collection still sitting in my studio. I moved away from wearables towards wall embellishment pieces.
Weaving came into play once again, but in an entirely different manner. Stacking, folding, and layering the sequins with beads in varied combinations, I create patterns, textures and dimension, sometimes replicating weaves from my past with a new twist. I experiment with rich textures, and a variety of concepts. All are slowly and carefully hand stitched, one bead, one sequin at a time.
The creative opportunity for me is in the discovery - finding new ways to use the materials, pushing them beyond expected use.
I find working this way to be challenging, flexible and creative while exploring relationships inherent in color and texture.