Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Artist feature with Carol Dean of SandFibers.etsy.com

I thought it was about time to do an artist feature. I haven't done one in a while, and I am sure you are all getting a bit tired of just my perspective on inspiration. I chose Carol Dean from Sandfibers.etsy.com because I am totally in awe of her artistry as well as her patience. I cannot imagine sitting down with those teeny tiny beads and making anything. I am a clutz, so after a while I am sure I would spill the beads and after about 10 min my lack of artistic patience would kick in, along with my lack of love for numbers, geometry and precision. I am sure I would give up before I finished anything. Thankfully there is someone out there who has the passion, patience, artistry and skill to create some amazing beaded jewelry.

Here's what Carol had to say about the inspiration for this beautiful bracelet:





















What inspired this piece? This particular piece was inspired by a front page on etsy that was created by heather91. I've actually included a photo of that page in my etsy listing. It wasn't the first time I've seen this color combination or the first time I thought I should do something with that color combination, but it was the time that finally pushed me into doing more than just thinking.

Can you detail how you translated your inspiration into your work of art? The inspiration came from the color combination of orange/purple (tangerine/grape), so that was rather easily translated into bead selection. I wanted each color featured equally in the design, which is why I chose the simple positive/negative image pattern using the two colors. Since I only used one shade of each color, the piece is really simple. There's nothing subtle about it. I'd like to do something more complex with an expanded palette, something softer, less geometric. (Like I need a reason to buy more beads!)

Where do you tend to find inspiration for your art pieces? My inspiration comes from striking color combinations, fabric patterns, symbols (especially spirals), simple geometry. When I'm not up to designing an actual pattern, I'll take my beads out and create "mixes" that appeal to me. Then the random "order" in which I pick up beads becomes the pattern-maker.

Any advice for someone feeling uninspired? Relax. Open your eyes to the world around you. Doodle. Work in a different medium.

You can see more of Carol Dean's fantastic work on her blog at http://sandfibers.blogspot.com . Her flickr is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandfibers/ and of course her Etsy shops at http://Sandfibers.etsy.com.

Her work was also featured in the Jan/Feb AND Mar/Apr 2008 issues of Step by Step Beads!



















































11 comments:

Scarf It Up said...

Excellent article on an excellent artist and friend! She is often an inspiration to me!

Jean Hutter said...

Carol Dean's work is just wonderful. It is a feast for the eyes - she is one talented beadweaving artist!!

Carol Dean Sharpe said...

Tamara -- Thank you so much for featuring me and my work like this! You have made this a great day :D Bless you! Carol Dean

MyFairLadyVT4 said...

What a wonderful feature on Carol Dean. Your blog is awesome.

Unknown said...

Great article! nice to find out more about the talented woman behind her wonderful creations!!! :-)

Misty Ridge Beads said...

What a nice article on Carol Dean! I especially love her combinations of beads and fabric.

retrothreads said...

A true artist. Great choice for your artist profile. I enjoyed reading the interview.

Melody Marie Murray said...

What a nice article! I love Carol Dean's work. Her eye is really something special.

Anonymous said...

Carols work is wonderful and she is a wonderful person as well! Bravo to both of you for a great blog interview.. It is just fantastic! Lisa Peters

Kim said...

what a beautiful feature!!!!!!

Waterrose said...

Great interview and an etsy artist that I have admired the work of for a long time.

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