Hello People, thank you for stopping by and following the progress of our project. I know you all have been waiting a while now for additional news regarding this project, but guess what? So are we! The project has been completed two months ago but related information has only finally been collected last week, thus the delay.
Nonetheless, this means we have the summer to share additional news with you all. Our book on this project is in its final laps of production (thankfully) and will be available shortly, hopefully within the month. However, I haven't had the chance to introduce you all to REGINA JIRON, another one of the project's participant, so find below, an excerpt of my interview with her. Enjoy.
Naan: What
is your name and where are you from? (If you have a name you go by as an
artist, tell us that as well.)
Regina: My name is Regina Jiron. I live in Bethesda, MD which is in
the Washington Dc metro area. My shopname is BeadJewelryShopgirl.
Naan: How long have you been
practicing your art?
Regina: I started creating jewelry in
2006.
Naan: Is this (beading) the only form
of art you do or are there more?
Regina: I’ve always done some
form of craft or art since I can remember but I would consider painting (oil
pastels and watercolor), beading and photography as “serious” endeavors.
Naan: When did you decide to work in
this particular (beading) media?
Regina: I discovered seed
beads and the art of beadweaving also in 2006.
Naan: What made you decide to?
Regina: What I like most about beadweaving is the feeling of creating
something out of nothing, almost. Putting hundreds, maybe thousand pieces into
one cohesive whole give me a lot of satisfaction. The fact that others might
enjoy the pieces I create also gives me a thrill.
Naan: How rewarding has it been so
far?
Regina: Beadweaving has given me focus and peace. I’ve had
some stress in my life lately that I’ve had to put my work on sabbatical but I
realize now, it most likely would have help me better handle the stress so I’ve
gotten back to it as much as I can now and intend to continue creating new
pieces.
Naan: What is your specialty? (What
materials, stitches, techniques etc) do you feel you have mastered so far?
Regina: I still consider myself a work in progress!
Naan: Are you primarily into beading
or do you attempt mixed media (using beads and other materials like leather,
fabrics or sculptures etc?
Reigna: With me, it’s all about the
beads. I started with creating jewelry pieces, but lately I’m publishing bead
patterns so that other beaders can enjoy my designs. I’m also starting to
explore beading on canvas and creating sculptured pieces.
Naan: Is there any one person
(artists, friends, family etc) that has been a big source of inspiration for
you specifically in relation to this field?
Regina: I get my
inspiration mostly from the things around me. Likewise, there is such a vibrant
close-knit beading community out there that provide inspiration in raising the
bar in this unique art form.
Naan: What is your ultimate aspiration
in this field?
Regina: I’m still searching for this.
Naan: Have you ever participated in
any major projects or contests before?
Regina: In the beginning
of my beading, I did participate in a couple of challenges and came out with
the top awards. There was no monetary compensation or anything from it, but I
got full satisfaction that a group of my peers gave validation to my work.
Naan: Have you ever received grants
and awards before, for your work in this media?
Regina: No
Naan: Do you think grants and awards
are important in this media?
Regina: It would help for those in
need of the financial boost to start their own business. I’m all for
independent artists being able to jump start their business!
Naan: Is this media your primary
vocation, your second job or simply a hobby?
Regina: Because I
still have a 9-5 job that pays the bills and can’t devote 24/7 to beading, I
still consider this to be a hobby.
Naan: If you do sell your work, where
can an interested client find your work to buy? And if you don’t sell your
work, will you be interested in showing your creation anyway? (share links to
sites, blogs, shops etc where you work can be purchased or viewed, or if you
are comfortable enough, share contact details of how you can be reached for a
client interested in making a purchase).
Naan: Why did you agree to
participate in the FOE 13 project?
Regina: I hadn’t done a
collaboration piece for a while so it was a good opportunity. In addition, I
was getting out of my sabbatical to start beading again and what better way to
stretch my beading muscles and get out of my comfort zone and work on a
challenge piece!
Naan: Tell us more about yourself –
anything at all that you are comfortable sharing. We all want to know our
favourite artists as intimately as they would let us know them and you are no
exception.
Regina: A quote from one of my favorite painters,
Vincent Van Gogh is “Great things are done by a series of small things brought
together.” It reflects so much of why I do what I do.
It was a delight to learn more about Regina, but I am sure you all will agree that the delight is complete with a show of her work, find them below.
Free form Bracelet By ©Regina Jiron
Peyote Bracelet By ©Regina Jiron
'Bling' Bracelet By ©Regina Jiron
I find Regina's work very neatly executed. The choice of colours are inviting and the design a delight. I wish I know the stories behind the inspiration for the these creations. But not knowing gives us the perfect excuse to stop by her shop to see more of her work or simply to drop her a note with your questions.
.JPG)
