Introducing MEGAN THOMPSON

The young and talented Megan Thomas is one of the contributing Artist for the FOE 13 Project and I would like to introduce her to you all. Enjoy.

        What is your name and where are you from? 

      I’m Meg Thompson. I’m 21 years old from Australia. My shop name is A Beaded World.

2.       How long have you been practicing your art? 

       I’ve loved beading nearly all my life, but have only become serious about it in the last 6-7 years, when I first discovered bead weaving and then later, in 2011, bead embroidery.

3.       Is beading the only form of art you do or are there more? 

      I am slowly trying to improve my skills in the polymer clay field, but I mainly use clay to make beads or cabochons that I can’t buy. I’m still dabbling at the stage. I have also tried my hand at cross stitch, and I do hope to be able to improve that skill one day, but first and foremost beading is my favourite.

4.       When did you decide to work in this particular media?

       I have been seriously beading for the last 6-7 years. I opened my Etsy shop in March 2011.

5.       What made you decide to?

        I fell in love with beadweaving, and then found myself hooked on bead embroidery. A friend told me about Etsy, and recommended I open a shop there, so that’s what I’ve done, and haven’t looked back since.

6.       How rewarding has it been so far? 

      Shop-wise, not very. I have only made 4 sales since my shop opened, and they’ve all been polymer clay cabs/beads. Although, I have made a few private sales before. Actual Beading –wise, it has been VERY rewarding. I found I finally have a true passion for something (beading), in that I can get excited about it all the time and if I could, I would bead all day every day until I die. 

7.       What is your specialty? (What materials, stitches, techniques etc) do you feel you have mastered so far? 

       I don’t think someone really truly masters anything (or very little), as there is ALWAYS something more to learn and explore about any given topic or technique. However, the techniques I have dedicated most of my time to are: bead embroidery, bead weaving (peyote stitch, herringbone stitch, square stitch, some netting, other general bead weaving), and I am well on my way to “mastering” soutache.

8.       Are you primarily into beading when working in this field or do you attempt mixed media (using beads and other materials like leather, fabrics or sculptures etc? 

      Not unless Soutache bead embroidery counts as “mixed media.” I mainly work with beads in the traditional sense of beading.

9.       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? 

     There are several people.

  

   .   If yes, how? And Why? 

     I got into bead embroidery because I found an AMAZING artist on Etsy (Kinga of crimsonfrog) who recommended a book by Sherri Serafini and Heidi Kummli on bead embroidery. I bought the book and that’s how I learnt bead embroidery. I have since purchased both authors’ own books, and both have remained a big source in inspiration to me. Other people include several friends I have made through joining a few beading groups via Etsy, including the Etsy Bead Weavers Team, and Beaders United (of which I am a project leader of). Quite a few of these teams members’ work I adore and admire, and they as artists are a constant source of inspiration.

1.       What is your ultimate aspiration in this field?      

      I’d love to be able to perhaps write a book one day, or at least have my work published in one. It’d be awesome to be able to teach bead embroidery. I have dreams to expand my skills in beading to creating works of art outside the traditional field of beading (usually seen as jewellery making), ie, mask making (I have already made one), making bags (I have made several), doll making, wall hangings, ornaments, etc, as well as honing my skills in amazing jewellery making. I think, at least just once, I’d like to make an outrageous piece of jewellery that no one would obviously be able to wear, instead it would simply be a work of art just for the sake of it (as I am normally a practical sort of person).

2.       Have you ever participated in any major projects or contests before?

      I have entered into and won several beading competitions through Australian Beading Magazine and Empire Beads. Also, in my former bead embroidery group (Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild-EBEG) I was part of a group beading project this year (2013), in which 12 of us each made a square (some made 2), and each was sent to me, where I finished off each square, joined each square together into a wall hanging, and put together the whole wall hanging. I then sent it off the USA where another team member took it to the Bead And Button show where it was auctioned off for $200 and the money given to breast cancer.

3.      How would you describe the experience, generally? 

      The wall hanging was an amazing thing to be a part of, especially being able to put it all together. It gave me skills that I never had before, and it was great to see firsthand some of the work by other bead artists.

4.       Have you ever received grants and awards before, for your work in this media? 

      I have received a few gift vouchers as prizes for wining a few beading competitions through Australian Beading Magazine and Empire Beads.

5.       Do you think grants and awards are important in this media? 

      No, but it does give a person a public sense of achievement which is always nice. People always like to have their work acknowledged and admired.

6.       Is this media your primary vocation, your second job or simply a hobby? 

      It is a hobby, albeit a big one. Although I do have an online shop, so I suppose it is like a second job. I am currently studying Science at University.

7.       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? 

      You can find me at www.abeadedworld.etsy.com for direct sales, or I can be contacted at beadazzled.by.megbeads@gmail.com . My blog can be found at www.abeadedworld.blogspot.com which I try to update when I can.

8.       Why did you agree to participate in the FOE 13 project? I wanted to be part of a project that involved several artists, as this is something that I enjoy and find rewarding. It forces you to think outside the square.

9.       Tell us more about yourself – anything at all that you are comfortable sharing. We all want to know our favourite artists intimately as they would let us know them and you are no exception. 

      I am a science student at University. I am majoring in Pathology (study of human disease), and I have dreams to be a medical researcher one day. I am a Christian and I love God, and am I so grateful that He gave me this gift of beading to enjoy and share. I am the second oldest child of 4 children, and the shortest J

      It has been a pleasure working with and knowing more about the delightful Megan Thomas. Come by soon and see the amazing works by this artist, and get to know how/where her inspirations for each creation comes about. You will love it!.

MORE.....ELIANA MANIERO

LIGHT OF VENICE NECKLACE by Eliana Maniero

(Artist's Intro to the item: This necklace was my entry for the Battle of the Beadsmith Contest 2013 (B.O.B.T 13). Venice was my inspiration for this piece; the golden mansions, the baroque windows, the greenness of the lagoons....I thought it would be the perfect thing to do, to create a necklace fit for the Venician lady, maybe one of Casanova's lovers).

Hello Everyone and thank you for returning to our blog. I  hope you have had fun discovering or learning more about this talented Artist from Italy. For more on her, here is a link to the original article. Read on....

1.       Eliana, have you ever received grants and awards before, for your work in this media?

       

     I WON SECOND PLACE FOR THE PEARL CATEGORY AND THIRD PLACE FOR THE CRYSTAL CATEGORY  FOR BEAD STAR 2013.

2.       Do you think grants and awards are important in this media?  

      I THINK GRANTS AND AWARDS ARE OKAY TO RECEIVE, BUT THE GREATER SATISFACTION IS ACTUALLY SEEING YOUR NAME LISTED AMONG THE MASTERS IN THIS FIELD; WORKING ALONG WITH THEM IS WHAT I FIND PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT.

3.       Is this media your primary vocation, your second job or simply a hobby? 

      FOR THE MOMENT THIS IS MY HOBBY

4.       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?

THE LIST BELOW WILL TAKE YOU TO;

MY FACEBOOK - THIS IS THE MEDIUM WHERE I SHOWCASE MY CREATIONS AND COMMUNICATE WITH MY AUDIENCE AND CLIENTS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH YOUR QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS.

MY BLOG - ANOTHER MEDIUM I SHOWCASE MY WORK PROCESS AND STAY IN TOUCH WITH MY CLIENTS.

MY ONLINE SHOP - I SELL BOTH FINISHED WORKS AND PATTERNS IN MY SHOP.

5.    Why did you agree to participate in the FOE 13 project?

      I THINK IT IS A GREAT IDEA TO WORK WITH OTHER BEAD ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

6.       Tell us more about yourself – anything at all that you are comfortable sharing. 

    

      AS YOU ALREADY KNOW, MY NAME IS ELIANA MANIERO, I AM 43 YEARS OLD AND I LIVE IN A LITTLE TOWN IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF MILAN. I AM MARRIED AND I HAVE AN ADORABLE SEVEN YEARS OLD SON WHO IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.

      FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ATTRACTED TO ANYTHING ARTISTIC AND MY DREAM WAS TO ATTEND AN ART SCHOOL TO STUDY RESTORATION OF ANTIQUE FURNITURE (MY FATHER WAS A CARPENTER). UNFORTUNATELY I WAS NEVER ABLE TO LIVE THAT DREAM. HOWEVER I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED AND INDULGED IN PAINTING AND THREAD EMBROIDERY, SO WHEN I CAME ACROSS BEAD EMBROIDERY IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.

      I FIND IN THIS HOBBY, A GREAT OUTLET TO MY CREATIVITY, NOW I DEDICATE ALL MY FREE TIME TO INDULGE MYSELF.

      BEFORE I HAD MY SON, I USED TO PARTICIPATE IN FAIRS AND CRAFTS SHOWS AROUND ABOUT WHERE I LIVE, SELLING MY CREATIONS WITH GREAT SUCCESS. HOWEVER I HAVE HAD TO PUT THAT ON HOLD AFTER THE BIRTH OF MY SON AND IT WAS WITH A TINGE OF SADNESS BECAUSE I ENJOYED THE ONE ON ONE CONTACT WITH MY CLIENTS.

      

       ON THE BRIGHT SIDE THOUGH, HAVING TO STAY HOME AND RAISE MY SON MEANT THE TIME FORMALLY USED FOR ATTENDING THE FAIRS AND CRAFTS SHOWS WERE NOW INVESTED IN MY WORK. THIS GAVE ME MORE TIME TO ELABORATE ON MY STYLE AND APPLY MY PERSONAL TASTE TO THE DESIGNS WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT CREATING GENERIC ITEMS FOR EASY AND QUICK SALES. THIS HAS ALSO EXPOSED ME TO A DIFFERENT CLIENTELE THAT SEEM TO APPRECIATE ITS UNIQUENESS AND THIS IS A SOURCE OF GREAT SATISFACTION FOR ME. 

 ARIEL'S TREASURE NECKLACE By Eliana Maniero    

  

      (Artist's Intro to this Item: I created this necklace for a contest organized by a French store Sponsored by Swarovski. I am particularly sentimental about this necklace because it was my very first 'Important' work; being my first attempt at competing in this media. The theme of the contest was SEA TREASURES and so I thought a necklace that Ariel the little mermaid could wear would be appropriate here. It was created using crystals, coral beads, star fishes and sea pearls).

AIDA’S NECKLACE By Eliana Maniero

(The Artist's intro to this piece: This was the item I created for the Battle Of The Beadsmith 2012 (B.O.B.T 12) And although I didn't win anything from this one, It was a great source of satisfaction for me to have had the exposure and more so, the chance for the piece to be showcased in a display stand at a dear friend's jewelry shop together with the works of other well established jewelers. It had gathered a herd of admirers and was eventually acquired by a Dutch lady that fell in love with it. I can't place a finger on the precise inspiration for this piece; I only wanted to attempt mixing soutache and bead embroidery, and I think I succeeded).

BOLLYWOOD EARRINGS By Eliana Maniero

(Artist's Intro to this piece: I am really proud of these earrings. I worked on this earring with the specification of capturing the details of  the earrings worn by Bollywood actresses, with their lovely colourful saris and beautiful, big gold jewelry. I have created a pattern for these earrings that have become so popular, and have been bought by many from as far away as Canada, Australia, Puerto Rico and even Singapore. I was particularly pleased to receive a mail from a Lady that saw these earrings worn by an American woman at a beads fair and she fell in  love with them and wanted them too. For a humble Italian like me to receive such recognition was a source of great satisfaction!!).

ICE AND FROST BRACELET By Eliana Maniero

(Artists Intro to the item: This bracelet is one of my famous patterns, it has been acquired from all over the world. I created it by playing around with Russian leaves. I wanted to make something fun but classy with Russian leaves which, by the way, I adore. I can say with all certainty that this bracelet is the perfect style that represent my personal taste - Eliana Maniero Style).

Well folks, this is all for now about this artist. I must tell you, it has been a pleasure working with and knowing this great lady. Do follow her on facebook and drop by here soon, for more about the other artist that are working on our FOE 13 project. Stay Blessed. 

Introducing ELIANA MANIERO

I would like to take the pleasure of introducing to you a Talented artist from Italy. She is one of the participants of the FOE 13 project. But before I do so, I would like to share something very briefly.  

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The beauty of art is the ability to interpret things a certain way. Even more so is the freedom to choose what impression an item expresses to each individual. I find it particularly interesting to observe people in art museums and see what draws them; eaves drop on their observations and such. I have often wondered if we as humans are influenced by reviews we read in papers, or gallery exhibition blurbs and such; do they affect our interpretation of art we see? Do they influence our decision to appreciate or scorn?

When I came up with the idea for the FOE 13 project, I thought that because the work would be in the same media, I had a fair idea of what to expect. But as each contributor submitted her work, I realized how far removed I was from reality.

It has been a learning process for me to see the many unexpected interpretations of the same item. Each artist came to the item with zero expectation of what they will be receiving. It was interesting to follow what prompted them in the direction they took the piece and what they felt about their contribution to it.

As much as I am tempted to share my own initial reactions at each turn, I would rather not do that just yet. The project is coming along well, and it's on its way still to a new destination. I look forward to the day of the final reveal and the project's ebook, but for now, I will leave you with a feature of one of our contributors

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Please tell us your name.

MY NAME’S ELIANA MANIERO

 How long have you been practicing your art?

I FELL IN LOVE WITH BEADS FROM THE AGE OF 9.

Is this (beading) the only form of art you do or are there more? 

IN THE PAST I WORKED WITH COLORS; I LOVE PAINTING

When did you decide to work in this particular (beading) media?  

I DIDN’T DECIDE, I SIMPLY FELL IN LOVE WITH BEADS AND SPARKLING CRYSTALS.\
I STARTING TO BEAD DURING A BAD PERIOD IN MY LIFE. BEADING RELAXES MY MIND FROM LIFE'S PROBLEMS

6.       How rewarding has it been so far?

       IT WAS GRATIFYING TO SLOWLY LEARN; MAKING MISTAKES BUT FINE TUNING TO MY PERSONAL TASTE IN THE JEWELRY I MAKE. AFTER A COUPLE YEARS I BEGAN TO PUBLISH PATTERNS FOR ITALIAN BEADING MAGAZINES, AND THAT WAS A SOURCE OF HUGE SATISFACTION TO SEE MY WORK IN PRINT.

Jewelry by Eliana Maiero

7.       What is your specialty? (What materials, stitches, techniques etc) do you feel you have mastered so far?  

       

       I LOVE SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS; I USE A LOT OF THEM IN MY DESIGNS AND CREATIONS. I ALSO LOVE BEAD EMBROIDERY BUT FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE FOCUSED ON THE USE OF SOUTACHE, AND AT THE MOMENT THIS IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT GIVES ME THE MOST SATISFACTION.

8.       Are you primarily into beading or do you attempt mixed media (using beads and other materials like leather, fabrics or sculptures etc?  

      

      I LOVE THIS FIELD BUT I LOVE MIXED MEDIA TOO; FABRIC AND SUCH.

9.       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?  

       

       YES

       

       If yes, how? And Why? 

       I ALWAYS OBSERVE CLOSELY ALL THE WORKS AND DESIGNS OF THE GREAT MASTERS IN THIS FIELD, PEOPLE LIKE MARCIA DE COSTNER, SHERRY SERAFINI AND SO ON. AS MUCH AS I ADORE THE WORK OF THESE FOREIGN ARTISTS, I ALSO FIND A LOT OF INSPIRATION FROM AROUND ME, HIGH FASHION JEWELRY BY DAMIANI, BUCCELLATI, DE GRISOGONO AND SO ON.

Jewelry by Eliana Maniero

      I OFTEN ALSO LOOK FOR INSPIRATION AND IDEAS ONLINE. SOMETIMES IT'S A COLOUR THAT PUSHES ME TO CREATE, SOMETIMES A CERTAIN SHAPE OR FORM.

1    What is your ultimate aspiration in this field? 

       MY ASPIRATION IS TO GIVE MY OWN CONTRIBUTION TO THE CREATIVE MARK OF THE INDUSTRY.

      Have you ever participated in any major projects or contests before?

     I HAVE PARTICIPATED IN 2012 AND 2013  BATTLE OF THE BEADSMITH. AND THIS YEAR I PARTICIPATED IN AN AMERICAN BEADING CONTEST (BEAD STAR 2013)

    

        If yes, how would you describe the experience, generally?

   I LOVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONTESTS BECAUSE IT GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN IMPORTANT JEWELRY THAT I USUALLY WON'T MAKE.

Jewelry by Eliana Mariero

(Be informed that the follow up for this interview will be blogged about in the coming days. Do drop by again for a chance to learn more about this artist, her work, as well as get links to her online presence and social network pages. You don't want to miss it; believe me).

Introducing Svetlana Samete Part II

(The Artist calls this item RUNNING WITH WOLVES and she introduces it this way; "We all yearn for pristine. Culture offers not too much choice antidotes to this longing. We were taught to be ashamed of such drives. We let our hair long and used to hide beneath feelings. But during the day and at night behind us lies the shadow Primal Wild Women. Wherever we set foot, the shadow creeping after and - definitely - supported by four legs. Ph.D. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Cheyenne, Wyoming.")

This presentation is a follow up of my interview with the talented Svetlana Samete. You can see the initial interview here

Interviewer: Is this media (beaded jewelry) your primary vocation, your second job or simply a hobby?

Svetlana: At the moment it is not just my job, that's life.

Interviewer: If you do sell your work, where can an interested client find your work to buy?

Svetlana: I have my own website where I sell my work on the Internet. http://orubis.ucoz.lv/

(The Artist calls this piece REVOLUTION, and she has this to say about the item (and the wearer I guess...) "She is swift and inevitable, nothing and nobody can stop her!"

 

Interviewer: Why did you agree to participate in the FOE 13 project?

Svetlana: It was interesting. But I would have chosen to participate at another time because my summer was full a lot of work.

Interviewer: Well, we are glad to have had your participation. We wish you all the best, and we are looking forward to working with you in future when and if you have the time.

P.S. This interview was conducted via email so clarity was impossible on some of the questions due to the artists busy schedule. Nonetheless, this is one talent to admire; I say this for myself of course.

Introducing SVETLANA SAMETE Part I

I would like to Introduce Svetlana Samete, an amazingly talented artist based in Latvia. She is also one of the participants in the FOE 13 project. Below is a feature of an interview I conducted with her.

Interviewer: It is a delight to do this feature. What is your name and where are you from?

Svetlana Samete: My name is Svetlana Samete. On the Internet I am more known under the name ORUBISS

Interviewer: How long have you been practicing your art?

Svetlana: I have been doing beads for 5 years

Interviewer: Is this (beading) the only form of art you do or are there more?

Svetlana: I paint, I write poetry, I love to make toys, dolls, felting and do rospiyu on silk

Interviewer: How rewarding has beading been so far?

Svetlana: Prizes;Grand Pri at the show Farben SOUL. Belossusiya, Minsk 2010

Grand Pri at the show SPHERICAL EXCLUSIVE. Ukraine, Kiev 2010

2nd place at the exhibition bead design. Russia, Moskva2011

1st place in the category MIXED of IBA. Germany, Gamburg.2011

Finalist BEAD DREAMS, 2011.

2 preis PAPER OR TEXTILE BEADS of IBA. Germany, Gamburg.2012

2 preis EMBROIDERY of IBA. Germany, Gamburg.2012

(The Artist calls this piece TIGER, and here is her intro to it: Tyger! Tyger! burning bright In the forests of the night, What immortal hand or eye Could frame thy fearful symmetry?  In what distant deeps or skies Burnt the fire of thine eyes? On what wings dare he aspire? What the hand dare seize the Fire?  And what shoulder, and what art, Could twist the sinews of thy heart? And when thy heart began to beat, What dread hand? and what dread feet?  What the hammer? what the chain? In what furnace was thy brain? What the anvil? what dread grasp Dare its deadly terrors clasp?  When the stars threw down their spears, And water'd heaven with their tears, Did he smile his work to see? Did he who made the Lamb make thee?  Tyger! Tyger! burning bright In the forests of the night, What immortal hand or eye, Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

William Blake)

Interviewer: What is your specialty? (What materials, stitches, techniques etc) do you feel you have mastered so far?

Svetlana: Weaving, embroidery, almost all of which use beads. I am primarily into beading.

Interviewer: When working in this field do you attempt mixed media (using beads and other materials like leather, fabrics or sculptures etc?

Svetlana: I'm trying to work in mixed media. Using beads, stones, leather, even the details of Barbie dolls, bullets from the guns. In short, everything that falls into my hands are used to make jewelry.

(The Artist calls this piece SAKUASOHO and this is her intro to this pieceT: There is a legend of the North American Hopi Indians.

Tayova God has created other gods, and commanded them to create the universe. Topel called first world. In it were dry land and the ocean, and living organisms, and humans created new gods. But living beings do not obey the gods and were destroyed by the Great Flood. The next two world too have been unsuccessful and the same have been destroyed. Our world - the fourth.

One of the most ancient Hopi prophecy speaks of a return to the earth god Sakuasoho Blue Star, which is still far away, and did not see it, but will soon appear in the sky. His appearance will mark a new beginning in the world, the fifth in a row era.

Hopi prophecy states: "God is the Blue Star will appear in heaven, and the world will change again. When Sakuasoho takes off his mask and begins to dance in the market square to the uninitiated - will come the Great Day of Atonement."

In the process of changing the world lost all evil. Unrighteous and the material will be destroyed. For a while, there will be no rituals, no faith. But then the land will be reborn as a reborn and rituals to mark the beginning of a new cycle of life.)

Interviewer: 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?

Svetlana: I do not think so. I tried not to look in front of the works of other artists, and was looking my way.

Interviewer: Why?

 Svetlana: Memory plays a cruel joke and one can give someone else's drawing for his own invention. I did not go to the master classes, I did not buy the books. Comprehended all by myself and devised ways of working.

Interviewer: What is your ultimate aspiration in this field?

 Svetlana: There is no end. It is a process of creativity, and it is infinite and there is no limit to perfection.

(The Artist' calls this piece BAROQUE and this is her intro to it: Baroque was born at the end of the XVI century in Italy, but it took a little more than half a century, and the elements of this bright, luxurious style swept France, and behind it and most of Europe.

The royal splendor the French court and the main residence of Louis XIV - Versailles, where a single day is not interrupted succession of dazzling festivities turned France into a recognized trendsetter who seek to emulate the nobility throughout Europe.

Indeed, baroque - one of the most magnificent and picturesque historical styles, there is no one "correct" definition and low-key harmony that characterize the works of the Renaissance. But, perhaps more accurately the Baroque style can be described epithets "magnificent and solemn."

In the Baroque ornamentation dominated heavy garlands of flowers and fruits, shells and volutes, acanthus motifs, whimsical bows. The most popular colors of the Baroque style was white in combination with gold, as well as red.

The special decorative different costume of the Baroque. Typical for that time of the picturesque draperies create an intriguing play of light and shadow, peculiar to this style, and demanded a slow, flowing movements, it corresponds to the palace ceremonies.

Fashionable women's dress had a very complex and whimsical silhouette that arose because of the contrast between the very narrow-necked bodice and a wide skirt. Open neck ladies entwined strands of pearls beautiful, very fashionable in the Baroque era. Pearls are also sewn together with ribbons on the dress, they were decorated with hair and waist.)

Interviewer: Have you ever participated in any major projects or contests before?

Svetlana:  of course)))))))

Interviewer: If yes, how would you describe the experience, generally?

Svetlana: Each part is a huge creative drive, new ideas, new projects.

(Please drop by soon, to read the final piece of this interview. You will also get the pleasure of seeing more amazing works from Svetlana as well as find links to her online presence. I hope you enjoyed it thus far, pass the word around.....)

Our Globe Trotter - FOE 13.

Hello and thank you for stopping by. This blog was supposed to chronicle the journey of our project, unfortunately that has not been possible as some of our participants were interrupted with unforeseen issues that slowed communication. We are however picking up our rhythm slowly and we shall begin more active blogging starting September. For now I can tell you that the piece has successfully passed through 2 continents and it is well on it's way to the third. More new to follow soon.

You will also get the chance to learn more about the participants and their art. Do drop by, come September 1st and enjoy the beauty of Art.

FOE 13 - Flying around the world!

But for the colour, this beaded focal could very well pass for a star up in the sky.....or could it be a flower?....Or a star fish?

Choosing/making this as the foundation for our project was intentional. About a dozen talented artists from across the world are coming together to create this piece which we simply call FOE 13 (Freedom Of Expression 2013). We have no pattern to follow, no design to guide us, no blueprint, just our individuality and creativity. Ideas could be from anywhere - sky, earth or sea.

From the daily madness around us, it would appear that intentions and ambitions are being fueled by hatred and misunderstandings. There seem to be great awareness of how different we are in every way conceivable - religion, race, class, beliefs, life choices, demographic location etc. And sadly, the strong attachment to how different we are, and especially to the belief that we/our ways are right and everyone else's is wrong only seems to tear us apart.

The FOE project is a celebration of our differences, but with it is also a healthy dose of respect and acceptance to our differences. It IS OK to be different. It is OK to hold unto your ideals and hopes and passion and such, but in order to rise to greatness, tolerance is necessary; it is important to respect the next person's individuality and difference too, and we intend to show that this is possible by this artistic OOAK piece we are about to create.

Having no idea precisely what the finished piece would look like or even be, we are depending on our individual sense of tolerance of each other's differences and individuality. The item is now on its way to Europe where it will  travel from one country to the next, to be worked on by the various artists participating in this project, then forwarded down under and beyond.....

Each person can only decide what they will add to it after they receive it and see what additional work has been made. Tolerance of the previous artists' contribution is paramount. Acceptance of their contribution will be the guiding force to make us all know how, when and where to add to it and pass it forward. No one's contribution is necessarily better or worse, it is only different. And this difference and individuality is what will come together to create the piece we are projecting.

I have no doubt that the finished item will be a testimony of what tolerance, acceptance and individuality can achieve if/when we are willing to work together. FOE 13 is on its way to an interesting journey, to conjure the imagination, creativity and individuality of Artists from different walks of life, taking with it a little bit of them. Stay with us as we chronicle this journey.....and more so as we feature each artist on this very blog.

FOE 13 begins.

Hello and welcome to our blog! This post launches the first of many artistic projects expressing individuality and the freedom of artistic expression.

We are beginning this project - FOE 13 - with 10 participants from across the globe.The initial idea was to have 12 artists to work within the span of 12 months but we have had two people quitting at the very last minute and since we don't want to delay the project or cancel altogether, we have decided to make minor adjustments to original plans and go ahead and start!

I am so excited!! The artists participating in the FOE 13 are as follows;

Carol Dean Sharpe
Christine Wilson
Eliana Maniero
Jacquie Champion
Megan THomson
Naan Pocen
Olga Dillow
Regina Jiron
Sveltlana Sametis

These are people whose works I greatly admire and respect and I am sure you all will appreciate them too if you know more about what they do. Which is why every participant will be featured individually, so do drop by and read more about their art, where they are based and who they are!

FOE 13 will be the creation of ONE ITEM. We shall begin with a piece of beaded item which will be mailed from one member to the next to add her impression and pass it forward. Each addition is to be decided by each individual, it is not going to follow a specific pattern or design and there is no limit or restriction besided the request that it would involve beads.

We call the project FOE (freedom of expression) specifically because individuality is important and greatly encouraged and we hope that with this project we can show that harmony can be achieved even with individuality.

Do return in a couple days to witness the launch of this project and watch it evolve.

INSPIRATION

I have been thinking a lot lately about how to map out the next step of our project. All  but one contract have been submitted which means I have everyone's location and should be able to assign bits to everyone. The only delay I have considered really is the distance between us and the nature of the project we have at hand. 

I must admit, when I proposed the idea, I didn't thoroughly consider what it would mean to each participant, receiving the work, adding their bit and forwarding it to the next person, I didn't consider that the heavier/bigger the item got, the more it would cost to send it out, and everyone will be allotted the same amount to do their bit.

So while considering how to manage this fairly, I was delighted when Megan (one of our participants) brought my attention to a blog that had successfully carried out a project quite similar to the FOE we are about to carry out. I was super excited to see it, simply because of its beauty and especially because it was not created by only one person but a group of talented people from all over Poland, then put together by the project coordinator.

Seems to me there, our problem is solved!!!

It is delightful to find artists across the globe having a common idea for different projects. This idea was not originally mine. As I had already shared with Megan (who was OK with me sharing this link with the rest of you), I can’t (won't) claim total originality, the idea came to me after I got invited by a group of artists some years back to participate in a collaborative piece, but unlike what we will be doing, what I was invited into was going to be a water colour painting. Unfortunately that project didn't take hold because the originator/sponsor found it too expensive after calculating the cost of mailing from one person to another. Still, the idea of having ONE item created by MANY artist was so inviting that I have harbored the dream of doing something like that, but affordable.

What ‘reminded’ me again to give it a go, was partly the monthly Etsy Bead Weavers' Challenge’s and some talk show I saw on You tube about freedom of expression 2 years ago, so I thought to give it a go. I am excited to see that the idea isn't totally alien after all! This makes me even more excited about ours!

Ours will be worked with beads, so it shall be slightly different from this but it is so encouraging to see that individuality can come together in a common art and speak so loud. I want this to be an encouragement to us for what we are about to embark. And may the freedom of our individual expressions be spoken as loudly.

WELCOME

We are happy to have you visit us.

We believe a little introduction is in order. This page was created specifically to launch the first of many artistic projects expressing individuality and the freedom of artistic expression.The first project will be a collaboration between a dozen artists from various locations around the world. The idea is to create ONE ITEM. One item will be worked on and mailed out to the next person to add their contribution to it, and then pass it forward until within the span of 12 months (one year) the item should be completed by all participating artists. The idea is simple; to allow various artist share their individuality in a common project, which is why we will be working without a script. 

The reason is simple: it is aimed to challenge participants to portray their individuality in a group scenario.The proposed start date for this one is 1st May 2013 and we shall simply call it F.O.E 13. 

We shall launch the project with a blog posting on that very date (May 1st 2013), by introducing all participants. We shall also post a photo of the first item that will be the foundation of this project (The very item we will all add our individuality unto).

In the months to follow we will blog about how it is evolving and what it is saying to us through its metamorphosis.  And in between the blog reports, we shall also have individually assigned posts to all participants; featuring them in an interview about their art in all its aspects. We will also provide links to their websites, blogs and shops, to be sure you don't miss out on all the goodies they are about.

Hopefully, a year from the start date of the project, we will have the grand finale; showcasing the completed work with a synopsis of all the changes it went through. The item will then be auctioned and you shall all be invited. 

All proceeds from this project will go right back into it. This is the first in a series we hope to continue. Therefore part of the proceeds will go towards the very next project* in the series and the rest will go towards the publication of an ebook (about the maiden project), which each participant will be entitled to a free copy of. 

*Future projects may not necessarily be bead related. This is a place for artists from every field. Stay with us through this journey and enjoy the learning experience of individuality coming together in an agreeable way. INDIVIDUALITY IS GREATLY ENCOURAGED HERE.

P.S. Find and join us on FACEBOOK