When you buy handmade art and craft, a part of you will probably be interested in knowing the story of the person behind the creations; how they started, their philosophy and style. That's why every fortnight we'll be gently interrogating our lovely Frit-Happens team members, and posting their answers for you to enjoy!
The brave Jo Reed of RedsBeads volunteered to be our first victim: here's what she had to say:
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1 -Your name: Jo Reed
2 -Your shop name and address: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RedsBeads and
http://www.beadtopia.co.uk/
3 -Describe your artistic style in three words: colourful, funky, quirky (I hope)
4 -When did you first start lampworking and how did you get started?
In 2008, I was so bored of the standard beads available and started looking for lampwork beads. I came across Mike Poole's website which grabbed my attention because he is based a few miles from where I grew up and his beads are stunning. I booked a lesson as a 40th birthday present to myself.
5 -What do you love most about your craft?
I've always has a fascination for glass and the way it interacts with light. To be responsible for miniature glass creations is a real joy for me.
6 -If you could take a class with any artist (in your field or otherwise) who would you choose and why?
I love Sarah Hornik's work so I think that would be my number one choice but I would just love to have the time to take any class really ! I'm squeezing in silversmithing classes once a week at the moment and that is proving great fun.
7 -Do you have a favourite piece of your work that you can share with us?
My favourite beads never seem to photo very well but I am very pleased with the heart pendant that I made for my sisters birthday. She was born on Valentines day so I love it because of the sentiment really.
Above: Sara's Valentine Heart
8 -Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere, I love colour and try to use or combine colours that are a bit out of the ordinary.
9 -What’s your favourite technique within your medium?
At the moment I am obsessed with gravity beads, this technique is so much easier with my new dual fuel set up and I am getting quite carried away with it.
10- Where do you create your work?
I am very luck to have a studio in my garden which is so much more than a shed, it's a home office really (but it's still cold in the winter !)
11 -Do you have a favourite colour scheme or range when you’re creating pieces?
Orange and yellow, I have to stop myself creating almost everything in these colours.
12 - Can you give us a quotation/lyric/piece of advice that sums up your approach to life and your craft?
Don't worry bead happy ! Everything seems so much better when you've turned the torch on.
13 - The most serious question of all: if you could meet any fictional character, from TV film or literature, who would it be and why?
Maximus Decimus Meridius - I think it's the short skirt.
14 -Finally, what are your plans or hopes for your work in the future?
I'm hoping to work more with silver and glass, starting with silver core beads.
Of course it would be wonderful to lampwork full time but this is some way off I fear.
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Thanks to Jo for starting off our new member interviews, and for providing a great read! Don't forget to check back on October 5th for the next feature.
Hazel Ward
