Websites & Blog:
LilianaBead
LilianaBead.etsy
LilianaBead.blogspot

How do you describe your work, Liliana?
My business name LilianaBead reflects my dedication to expressing my aesthetic ideals in glass. Each bead is a result of my journey alongside glass and fire. My commitment to the process, the medium and the design underlies everything I make.

My Heart

Color and form dominate my collections. The finished pieces continually remind me how much I love color. Color in glass is particularly rich because of its interaction with light; the possibilities of layering are limitless. The eternity of glass is partially determined by its roundness, as it shapes how you encounter the colors. Light envelops the glass piece; it has depth, dimension, and movement; it is truly “round color” (a concept evident in the curves, prisms, and layers in my designs).

What is your creative process like?
I started working with glass in 2000 in a workshop with Caitlin Hyde. Slowly, I got to know glass while perfecting techniques shown by Caitlin as well as those revealed in the Lampwork ABC book by Cindy Jenkins, Making Glass Beads. I developed a rigorous schedule. I lampworked 6 hours each day for many months on a map/hot head set-up. This was my self-imposed boot camp, after which I was ready to begin refining my own style.

The next few years I practiced and practiced, working on several techniques which started coming together in curious-to-me ways. Interesting combinations and possibilities came in dreams, conversations, observation and interests, including fine art and crafts. The aesthetic preferences of my customers played a role in how I presented and assembled my work as well.

Apple Cores

These days I stay faithful to my style simply because it appeals to me the most. Nevertheless, I often stretch my designs and challenge my style by doing custom orders, by participating in concept-driven projects (e.g., recently I’ve been playing with metaphors of “doors” and “windows”) and by letting myself play at the torch.

Themes can move me but most often my process is triggered by an emotion or feeling that results from images, relationships and moments of serendipity. While I’m grounded in knowledge of and skill behind a technique, to some extent my work – especially my vessels – also emerges from improvisation and happenstance. Books of ancient and modern arts containing beautiful imagery and visual chronology represented by development of design are important resources for me.

Some of my products are in ongoing collections and some (like vessels) are one of a kind. Currently I have several collections which include Galaxies, Aurora Borealis, The Apple Core, and The Berry Extraordinaire. The Berry Extraordinaire Collection consists of four designs I’ve developed over time: the Berry, the Berry with Seeds, the Berry Flower and the Berry Blossom.

On average I work every day , like most people. The voice of National Public Radio is my most desirable companion. About 5pm the programs start over again so I either turn to WERS – The Emerson College Radio Station, or an audiobook on my MP3.

Reef Jewel

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I was an artist-in-residence at the Worcester Center for Crafts when they asked me to teach two lampworking classes. The thrill (and the anxiety) of sharing my knowledge and skill with people as excited and sometimes more excited than me felt wonderful. At the time I was also teaching public speaking courses at Emerson College and Suffolk University. Seeing my students nurture and push their love for glass and the lampworking process had a lot to do with me dropping my public speaking engagements to stick with glass completely and more relentlessly than before.

Selling my work in galleries and shows, the delightful one-on-one relationships with my customers, in addition to my enjoyment of the process, all provided a clear affirmative answer – I wanted to do this full-time and every day.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Glass and metal, fire and oxygen, good health and brain matter

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
Process. Process. Process.

Work gets frustrating more often than I care to admit. Unfortunately, it happens when I have deadlines. Before, I would push to try to complete the task at hand. Now I often go back to basics and allow myself to be a beginner so that I can get back in touch with the material and the process.

Playing at the torch sometimes results in what I call carbohydrates; These are pieces that are so big that the wearer is guaranteed to stay on the ground on a very very windy day. I will keep working on a piece till I absolutely have to stop because I need to use the restroom and can’t hold it anymore 

A source of relief for me is designing and making jewelry. I spend as much time designing with wire as I do with glass. Most of the connections have to be cold so I devote much time engineering and creating them. This process can be quite entertaining, especially when I succeed.

I like taking breaks and looking through books and magazines.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Sense of humor and perseverance are two important traits one should acknowledge and practice at all cost.

It is very easy to doubt and question one’s work and process. I’ve certainly done my share of that and still do. I’ve learned over the years to
1. acknowledge the artisans before me by learning the history and the techniques behind their work.
2. understand the reasons why I’m attracted to the medium and why I chose that medium for expression.
3. find my voice and articulate it in ways that are intelligible to me. I should be able to recognize that voice over and over again by accentuating primary factors that drive my expressions.

Arabian Nights

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
My entire family, including my parents, my sister and her two boys, has moved in with us over the last three years from Moldova. Attending to family needs and working harder than ever to increase income have been taking most of my time.

Whatever time left    I like to spend traveling with my husband Phil. I like to read. I love to walk. Once in a while I enjoy a noisy and fun party where there is lots of laughter and great food. Speaking of food.…

What are some of your other favorite things?
If I could have a thousand hobbies I would. Every time I see something beautiful I want to make my own version of it.

My favorite food is Moldovan potato stew. I also love food made with curries.

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Artist: Jennie Yip
Website: Iced Moments

I am fascinated by the slightly alchemical aspect of melting glass to create lampwork beads. I make my beads by winding molten glass around a thin steel rod to form the base bead, which I then decorate with other glass elements.

I love making both “organic” and precise beads. An organic bead is usually the result of the chemical reactions between the different glasses. On the other hand, the precision beads require placing the correct amount of glass at precisely the correct spot; it’s a great buzz when it works out. At the moment I am particularly preoccupied by glass sorts that produce metallic effects.

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C.A. Therien

Lori Greenberg

Heather Powers

Amy E Fraser

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Artists: Hava and Danny Ronat
Website: Ronat Glass

Hava and Danny Ronat are a husband and wife team who combine distinct skills and experience to create a beautiful array of glass beads. Hava is a beadmaker, painter, and sculptor who studied art and sculpture at the Avni Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Danny is a mechanical engineer who became enchanted by glass after working in stained glass as a hobby. Together, they operate a successful handmade jewelry shop in Tel-Aviv.

About her art Hava says,

“I have been an artist most of my life, but was exposed to the world of glass by my husband, who fell in love with it way before me, and brought it home.

Once I started making the beads, I became immediately hooked.

I fell in love with the magical way the light streams through the colored glass, creating a wonderful small world of its own and at the same time is a fascinating reflection of its surroundings. I watch the way color and shape are used by nature itself. I love to look at fabric designs especially from South America, Africa and India. (If I cannot go there I leaf through the National Geographic magazine). I also watch fashion shows (FTV) and become inspired by the amazing combinations of fabrics, designs and colors. There are endless combinations and possibilities.

I never tire of the beads and enjoy turning them into unique pieces of jewelry,

which I love seeing on other people.

I have a small shop which I run from our home and studio in Neve Tzedek,

Tel -Aviv, Israel.”

The photos are of their art and their book Making Handmade Lampwork Beads & Glass Jewelry, (Creative Publishing international, 2008).

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Artist: Kerri Fuhr
Website & Blog:
KerriBeads
KerriFuhr blog

My name is Kerri Fuhr and I am a full time lampwork glass bead artist living in British Columbia, Canada. Using a tabletop torch, rods of glass and a few hand tools, I sculpt detailed focal beads and ornate bead sets for jewelry designers and collectors world wide. I am inspired by nature and many lively creatures are depicted on my beads!

Dragonflies, honey bees, ravens and herons are among my favorite subjects and with each bead I create I strive to capture their character and spirit. Rich colors and delicate tapestry – inspired scrollwork also decorate many of my beads – the more detail and color the better! New designs are featured often so be sure to check out my blog for daily updates and fun new beads!

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Artist: Lisa McQuerrey
Website: Into The Fire Beads

Lampwork bead-making is a wonderful art form in so many ways. The act of working molten glass in the flame is mesmerizing in itself, with the glass often deciding on its own what it will become. I often find the hours just slipping away while I’m at the torch! I’m also fortunate that I have the opportunity to follow the path of many of my beads as they leave the nest. A large part of my clientele consists of incredible designers who create everything from beautiful jewelry to stunning artworks. I love when they share photos of their finished projects with me. I also have a growing number of direct relationships with clients who buy my silver-cored focal
beads for their own personal use. It’s incredibly gratifying to hear what people from around the globe see, feel and think about my work. I feel very fortune & blessed that I’m able to make my living doing work I am so very passionate about.

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Artist: Diana Rast
Website: Dizzy Bead

Diana Rast is a Lampwork artist living and working in Tampa Florida. She has been making Lampwork since 2006. Diana is inspired by the whimsical. She likes to have fun with her creations. She is fascinated with color and likes to experiment with all the glass colors that Lampworking has to offer. You can see her work at Dizzy Bead or in the Tampa Bead Cafe on Gunn Highway. Custom orders are always welcome.

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Artist: Randi-Sue Deckard
Website: Designing Diva

I’m a silversmith & warm glass artist. I create original and limited edition fused glass jewelry, decor and beads/cabochons for other artists. You can view my current collection of original beads and cabochons for artists in my warm glass catalog. My stock changes frequently and I also offer custom design services at no additional charge.  I aim to make glass comes alive with funky & vibrant colors and depth is created using patterns/textures that begs you to reach out and touch.

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Just when you thought you’d never need another lampworking book, Jeri Warhaftig has come up with one that takes you from the intermediate stage and beyond! There are projects in here that will make you see glass in a whole new way, and will send you running for the torch.

Reviewers agree: this is the book for you if you want to make more than dots and swirls. Sandblasting, applying enamel, working off the mandrel, and blowing hollow beads are just a few of the techniques that Jeri will introduce you to, and then inspire you to explore further!

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Anne Dunsmore
Grama Tortoise Beads and Jewelry

Anne loves jewelry, but she doesn’t wear a necklace because it goes with her shirt, or hair. She wears it to remind her of a truth. Each necklace is another truth she has learned, and clings to. The talisman around her neck soothes by its presence.

Anne made bird necklaces for twelve years, and now she makes lampwork glass fish wearable art. While she makes pendant necklaces and pearl necklaces with these fish, she finds the jewelry others make from her beads to be a greater spur to exploring new heights. Each trout or koi bead Anne holds in her hand inspires her to release her negativity, and allow the positive to flow into her. Native Americans believe the trout to be a sign of the presence of healing waters.

The trout and char she credits to the influence of her deceased grandfather. He accompanied her on many fishing trips, on the lakes and rivers of South Dakota. There is a magical quality to childhood memories, and a part of Anne lives on in that place, still fishing, smiling up from under a baseball cap. She is always striving to recreate in glass the sparkling life she caught on the end of her line, that emerged from the water like a living emerald.

While every fish is a unique result of flame, silver foil, and reduction glasses, each is created to reflect a specific species, local variety, and gender of North American Tout or Char.

Grama Tortoise Beads and Jewelry is named after the mythical Grandmother Tortoise, whose gift of jewelry to a young woman helps the girl to recognize and achieve her potential power.

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