1.
I was blessed to have two residencies at the Berengo Glass Studio in Murano Italy which led to my work's inclusion in a collateral exhibit during the 2013 Venice Beinalle. The images show me working in the studio with gaffers on my sculpture, adding beads directly to hot glass on pipe was elevating in Italy.

2
The South Africa images show a trip I started alone be evolved into my taking two assistants with three artist scholars rounding out the crew. We actually bead bum-rushed parts of the country. Not only did we employ beadwork, but together and separately we worked in townships, garages, dance schools, high schools, diningrooms sharing dance, music, painting and of course beadwork. This was artist generated and paid for.
  • MonleyBiz in Capetown, South African
    MonleyBiz in Capetown, South African
    In Capetown, South African: I organized two sets of two day classes with Zulu beaders at MonkeyBiz ( a non-profit group that helps beaders support themselves thru beading). They traveled over an hour and a half each day to work with me. I was honored, I know that word and humbled are used alot, but this took me back to days with my mom and aunties, learning first hand.
  • MonkeyBiz
    MonkeyBiz
    We had tea breaks twice and Lunch, now that's beading.
  • She reminds me of my Mom.
    She reminds me of my Mom.
    Talking trash in Capetown at Monkeybiz.
  • With Hlengi Dube in Durban, South Africa
    With Hlengi Dube in Durban, South Africa
    After Capetown, we shared technigues in Durban with Hlengi, a Zulu beader, designer and author at our B&B. We took advantage of any open space.
  • the Ubuhle Beadrers in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa
    the Ubuhle Beadrers in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa
    We traveled to Bev Gibson's house in the Natl, South Africa after Durban. The Ubuhle beaders are embroiderers, but wanted to learn a free form beading style. Beading on Bev's dining room table, so everyone would have comfort and bead space.
  • Lampworking hands
    Lampworking hands
    Flameworker with glass and torch
  • beading in Italy
    beading in Italy
    Even though I took beaded work, I was inspired to keep working and adding new patches.
  • Beaded face gathered on hot glass
    Beaded face gathered on hot glass
    The beaded face is placed on a metal cool table, then molton glass on the pipe is rolled slowly over the beaded face. The thread burns out, but the beads remain. Then the beaded glass is worked as usual. This is not a new technique, but my creating the actual beaded pieces is.
  • Beadwork on molton glass
    Beadwork on molton glass
    I created this beaded face created, then it was fused to the molton glass on the pipe. I was careful to find vintage Italian beads that were compatible.
  • Casting glass
    Casting glass
    Preparing the mold for glass inclusions.
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