Bead Study
for the multi-media artist
Bead Study for the multi-media artist includes not only knowledge of beads and how they are used in traditional and novel ways, but also exposure, examination, and inspiration from other fields of expression from fibers to fine art and all media inbetween.
Why bead study, and the study of others' art? Because of those involuntary intakes of breathe, those moments where one is smitten in the sudden envelopment of the striking, empathic, gentle or aggressive nature of Art.
In the presence of greatness, what happens to the artist is carried forth into his or her own work. It matters not whether that greatness is large or small, nor whether the exposure affected anyone else in the same way.
The enrichment is lasting, as is the sense of feeling oneself privileged in the experience.
This effect is not limited to costly beads or fancy work, art versus craft, display as juxtaposed to something wearable, fantasy to nature or any other categorization. Each time we observe a bead exhibit, hold a beaded handbag, examine a beaded costume, read a bead magazine or study a techniques book, we are engaged in Bead Study. And it is the exposure to color, line, shape, light, texture, originality, humor, or tradition in art of ALL kinds that invokes a rise of that spirit unbidden, and improves our own expression.
Bead Museums
quite amazingly hold a substantial representation of the world's history in Beads. Here are several with accessible collections; many of the museums have online galleries for bead study and journal publications available.
Bead Glossary
What do you need to know about beads? A Bead Glossary describes bead names and size, shape, finish and how they are sold. We've tried to show examples and list websites that have excellent images of the beads described. Reading a bead seller's Bead Glossary is recommended, as they often most knowledgeable about the beads they present.
Bead Shows
For Bead lovers the interest generated by Bead Shows is pure excitement! Artists, bead aficionados, rock hounds, jewelry and costume makers all mingle for access to the bead sellers' wares.
Art Study - Galleries online
Art Study for the multi-media bead artist isn't limited to 3-dimensional work; art study of paintings, lithographs, photographs (and more) can be inspirational and so much is accessible online!
Bead Magazines
fuel our interest and education in bead study as well as our learning about threads, fibers and fabrics. Gemstone rags, wearable art magazines, and art doll publications included.
Beading Books
Books on beadwork techniques abound! The titles we list are pulled from personal libraries or are newly arriving to market. Both Beadwork and associated crafts are represented. Like to learn to search on your own, or find a book without cost? Check our page about
How to Find a Book.
Beaded Handbags
We appreciate your patience while we prepare our pages. Permissions to access other websites are almost complete. Resources for Study of Beaded Handbags both vintage and modern will be listed and in a separate section, how to create beaded handbags: stitches, patterns, and reference to helpful sites.
more coming...
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