About beadworks (c&a)

Beadworks, that has been made in pursuance with different craft techniques like knitting, embroidery, crochet, weaving etc. has been done for eternity. According to a web source about embroidery history has beadworks been found from a Cro-Magnon hunters fossilized remains near Vladimir in Russia. The remains which has been located to 30 000 B.C. had clothing, boots and hat made of fur that were strongly decorated with ivory beads. Since then has beadworks been used all over the world in many cultures and classes. Different techniques and materials, everything from extremely rare and expensive precious stones and pearls, to massproduced plastic and glass beads, has affected on great variety of the beadworks, together with cultural features.

I find bead embroidery very interesting. Since I've never done it before, I was lucky to get familiar with a publication by Helena Semenoff about Skolt Sámis traditions regarding bead embroidery. The publication presents a lot of fine examples about bead embroidery traditions among the Skolt Sámis but also simple embroidery techniques.

My aim is to produce bead embroidery as decoration of a simple top that I will make of woollen cloth. The idea is not to use any specific pattern but more to sketch by embroidery.

Experiencing Iceland

I like to share my experiences from Iceland even if the journey wasn't a part of my productions. The meeting of Cirrus network took me there on January 2010 and I have to say that it was indeed a fascinating experience! Many thanks to collaborators from Iceland Academy of Arts. First of all I must mention that no wonder that the surroundings of Iceland is such a source of inspiration for creativity. The bare island surrounded by an ocean gives a dramatical effect. And the land, which is basicly of lava, is constantly alive. Very powerful and dynamic! I remember somebody sometimes said that art, which is made by people, should affect at the same way on our feelings than the phenomenons of nature. Then it's good art!

The Icelanders (ca. 320 000), have adapted very well the living on extraordinary island whis has been settled only 1200 years ago. They've created for example sustainable ways to produce energy from hot water in the earth. Hot water including minerals is also used for well-being. I'm very glad that I had a chance to experience a lot even if the journey took jus a few days and most of it was about working. Especially a visit by thunderous ocean and a soak in the Blue Lagoon were memorable!