I'm a day late but am going ahead with my featured artist spotlight today since yesterday the world celebrated Mother's Day! I also didn't want to wait until next Sunday to share the work of JC Herrell....I've been a bit behind. For the last few months I have been spotlighting some of my favorite glass artists by having them share a bit about themselves and some of their work. It is my hope to actually meet some of these amazing artists or possible take a class with them at some point in the future. The worldwide web is a great tool however I feel that you really must get to know someone to gain better understanding of their work and to really appreciate what they do. I know you will admire JC's work and her positive attitude. I think that is one reason why I enjoy her work so much. Her enthusiasm is evident in her work!
1. How long have you been making beads and how did you get your start?
I got my first torch in 2001 but it wasn't until 2004 that I spent any real energy trying to get better and more comfortable with lampworking. The torch was a gift from my ex-husband who was suggesting I find a hobby to relax with. In 2005 I turned that hobby into my business when I began making beads full time.
2. Do you sell your work? Where? What venue seems to work the best for you?
Selling is essential to making more beads! I am deeply invested in the beads I make and by purchasing my beads you invest deeply in me. Without that investment my work and life would not be possible.Beads have shown me personal freedom, allowed me to follow a dream and are teaching me a craft that continues to change and inspire my life. To sell beads is to live that dream! I make my beads available through my website and Etsy and Ebay, special order, and at several bead shows throughout the year. Teaching is also an important part of my plan that funds my craft. I teach several classes each year focusing on enamel and offer some tutorial available for sale on my website.
3. Where do you see yourself in 3, 5, 10 years?
In 3 years I see some important debts paid, my glass skills and curiosity expanding into new areas, and I see myself living somewhere with trees- nice big ones. In 5 years I'm looking ahead and picking my challenges carefully rather than negotiating a backlog of them. In 10 years I'm living this craft at the next level.
4. What has been the most challenging?
This business/craft is the hardest, most fun, most natural, most frustrating, most wonderful, most stressful thing I've thrown myself into yet! What's most challenging? Sometimes staying positive is most challenging.
5. What are you most proud of?
I'm proud that I do what I do and that I keep doing it all day, everyday. What I do is awesome. I think the way I do it is fun. I'm proud that I made the choice to do this!
6. What inspires your work and who do you admire?
My work is very inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. I grew up in Wisconsin and my dad gave me a great introduction to FLLW work when i was young. The influence of architecture can be seen in my work. I love exploring color relationships.
7. Describe yourself in 3 words.
Stubborn. Enthusiastic. Overwhelmed.
1 comment:
Her work is just so amazing!
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