The Artist
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My interest in beads started in childhood, where my eyes were delighted, my soul ignited by photographs of Native Africans, often featured in the National Geographic magazine, wearing multitudes of intensely colored beads.
As an adult, I discovered markets that sold Trade Beads, the very riches I adored! This led me to learn of their use as currency along trade routes between Europeans and Africans, Native Americans, Indians, and the Chinese.
The following quote, from Robert K Lin, Society of Bead Researchers, says it best: "When one looks at a bead, it is hard not to think about who previously owned it and how far through time and distance it has traveled to reach its current destination."
When I integrate Trade Beads into a necklace of my design, it feels a bit like reaching back into the lives of those who were drawn to and loved them as much as I. It is humbling.
Born and raised in Hibbing, Minnesota, I explored the lakes and woods that surrounded me. My best teacher was Mother Nature. My formal education includes undergraduate degrees in Biology and Ecology, and a Masters of Education degree from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.
A recent Middle School Science Teacher retiree, I occupy my time as a jewelry designer, a pastel painter, a sourdough bread baker, and a yoga enthusiast.
