Until a couple of years back, I had no idea what “an art bead” was and then I came across the Artbeadscene blog where they had contests using art beads. The designs looked wonderful, almost poetic with mostly lampwork beads. So I thought that only lampwork beads must be art beads until I found metal components too in the same category.
I was confused as how can a pendant or connector that is in metal or clay can be called as “Art beads” and set about exploring the world of these wonderful creations. I participated in contests, won or made (sorry tried making) beads, bought some and interacted with various artists to learn about them. I slowly learnt that a handmade bead or component; need not necessarily be an art bead, just because its handmade, it needs to be created by artist based on a concept or theme –for example lampwork beads made in bulk at factoriesor silver wire beads are not considered art beads.
During my interactions, I came across Genea Crivello, a lampwork artist who makes beautiful beads that resembles marbles and candies. I deem it my priviledge to interact with her and feature her work here. So lets Meet –Genea of Genea beads and ask her how she makes her beads.
What are Art beads?
Art beads are any handmade beads or components created by an artist. I create handmade lampwork glass beads that are melted by a torch flame and then kiln annealed for strength and durability.
What inspires you to create these beads?
I am inspired by the world around me by shapes, colors, and textures. I may see a color scheme that strikes me and I will create some of my signature “Wing Ding” beads or a I may see a motif I like and see if I can translate that into glass. This design process may spark new ideas while I work at the torch that may take the design into a completely different direction. This is the amazing thing about creating beads and being inspired.
Vortex flower bead
The Vortex Flower bead was formed as a happy accident. I was trying to make a more rounded flower shape but Heat and gravity caused this cone shaped wavy flower. I loved the shape so much that I mademy Vortex Flower Garden necklace based on it.
I love lots of different colors and textures for my work. While making this set of headpins I thought that they would be perfect for Mis-matched earrings, little drop dangles, or 3-tier focals.
Glass is a very versatile medium – you can make beads that are clear, make it look frosted or even make it look like stone. Spiral earth beads used in my design for Wirework Magazine Spring 2015 were purposefully made imperfect with stamping so that they look straight out of an archeological dig.
“Sugar Beach Rainbows” lentils
I love color and play with it in my work. For my Sugar beach rainbow beads I wanted soothing colors but with a distressed stone texture. I carefully selected colors of a rainbow that gently fade one into another reminding me of sunny days on the beach and warmer temperatures. These Lentil beads can be teamed up with some pastel Swarovski crystals, patinated chain, sterling silver, and sari silk. to make bracelets and gorgeous earrings.
Materials I find, also motivate me to create new designs. Inspired by a beautiful streaky veiled cane I picked up at Bead Fest (Philadelphia), I made these streaky hollowlampwork beads in cranberry, violet, amethyst, capri blue, and lime green. They urged to be made into this incredible light but gorgeous glass necklace with wooly wire and black tubing. I call it “Out of Orbit” mixed-media necklace.
Mistakes and experiments are a big part of the process. I discovered the “wing ding” design by mistake when I mashed a bead that frustrated me, creating a fun double-paddle shaped bead that are a big hit in my store. I hope that I will explore more such interesting designs in the future.
Thank you Genea for sharing different facets of your creative process with us. I hope that this will help us appreciate art beads more.Connect with Genea on Facebook or on Instagram. Do check out her etsy shop for beads for more one of a kind art beads that you can use in your designs. Connoisseurs who collect but dont make jewelry can purchase her handmade jewelry at GeneaCK etsy store
So tell me in the comments, Do you make art beads or do you use art beads in your work?I hope you found it interesting Cheers
I've been drooling over Genea's beads for some time now, so beautiful and diverse! It is always interesting to read about the creative process of an artist!
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