Today we have a 'dangerous' interviewee...Jane of Dangerous Beads! Grab a cuppa and have a
read of Jane's glass philosophy (and sense of humour!)
1 - Your name: Jane Crosby aka Dangerous Beads
2 - Your shop name and address: www.dangerousbeads.etsy.com
3 - Describe your artistic style in three words: Messy. Random. Sporadic.
4 - When did you first start working with glass and how did you get started?
read of Jane's glass philosophy (and sense of humour!)
1 - Your name: Jane Crosby aka Dangerous Beads
2 - Your shop name and address: www.dangerousbeads.etsy.com
3 - Describe your artistic style in three words: Messy. Random. Sporadic.
4 - When did you first start working with glass and how did you get started?
I can't remember when I first started but it's been a few years. I should be a bit better at it by now really, but I'm quite happy to plod away at my own pace. I was inspired to make beads when a dear friend gave me a beaded charm bracelet, it was so sweet and simple, each bead was different. A few of the beads fell off and I replaced them with any random bead I could find. I loved that bracelet so much that I decided to make some myself and started buying stuff at car boot sales and charity shops if I found something with just one bead on that I wanted. Then I found and bought commercial beads on the web, until one day I couldn't find this one really simple style bead in particular, it had been discontinued. I thought, hmm, how difficult can it be to make? Googled it and Hey Presto! Bought the basic kit and discovered the joy of lampwork.
5 - What do you love most about your craft?
It gives me what I think most of us crave, "Me time". I just love, and feel soothed by, watching glass melt, even if it doesn't end up as anything beautiful or useable, the satisfaction I get from doing it is usually enough.
6 - If you could take a class with any artist (in your field or otherwise) who would you choose and why?
There are so many to choose from but after some consideration I think I'd like a class with Rachel Frudd. Her work with silver glass is fantastic. She was producing the most stunning, dreamlike beads after only a few months of lampworking. She's a very talented artist.
Or a banjo lesson with Jens Kruger, though I'd probably wet myself if that ever happened.
7 - Do you have a favourite piece of your work that you can share with us?
These beads aren't particularly clever but I just squirm with pleasure at the colours everytime I see the photos.
8 - Where do you find your inspiration?
I pick three colours and hope.
9 - What’s your favourite technique within your medium?
Gravity beads. I wish I was better at encasing though.
10 - Where do you create your work?
In the cellar or basement, luckily it's heated and dry.
11 - Do you have a favourite colour scheme or range when you’re creating pieces?
Organic colours float my boat. Particularly Stone Ground, Dirty Martini, Chalcedony and Iris Savanne. Oh and purple.
12 - Can you give us a quotation/lyric/piece of advice that sums up your approach to life and your craft?
Can if I like. Will if I want.
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?
Buzz Lightyear. He's confident, optimistic, a strong Alpha male who sees no obstacle as too great, and he has a cute butt.
14 - Finally, what are your plans or hopes for your work in the future?
To infinity and beyond.
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Thanks Jane, for such a fun interview!
