ABS Monthly Challenge - Tribute to Frida Kahlo

The Art Bead Scene (ABS) Monthly Challenge has been on my radar for some time now.  I love art!  So the idea of using a piece of art, usually a painting, to inspire creativity is an absolutely fantastic idea.  The ABS hosts are not saying, copy it, they're saying embrace this piece and use it how you choose; research, color, emotion, etc. -- dive deep and CREATE an original piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours.

This month's inspirational art piece is a masterpiece by the artist Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, entitled Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.  I've been a fan of Frida's work for many years.  I was fortunate enough to see some of her work in a couple of museum exhibits.  I own many books and art pieces replicating her original work.  When I see her work I am drawn to her bold use of color, her odd choices for pets, her ability to depict how painful life really is and her strength as a woman. 

In many photos you will see Frida's magnificent use of clothes and jewelry which was quite the contrast from the Hollywood bombshell in the 1930's.  Her fashion choices are synonymous with this legendary lady. She built on her individuality and all the tragedies and pain that shaped her life.  Despite major health issues and a passionately painful relationship she managed to present herself as a beautiful and talented woman.  Frida's art was a true expression of herself.  She didn't hide behind the canvas instead she used the canvas to show the world what was going on inside of her; the woman, the wife, the artist, the activist, the animal lover.

The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.  Frida

Her individuality is the very thing that draws audiences to her - past and present.  She often wore large jewelry pieces and flowing cotton dresses/skirts.  Frida used every bit of herself to create beauty, she didn't hide behind the monobrow, instead she painted it for all to see.  Her hair was always a beautiful display of creativity.  These bold choices help us to know just who this beautiful woman was.

The necklace I made was not in the same color scheme as the portrait chosen by the ABS group but the beads are rich in color which makes a dramatic statement.

The Tierra Cast swallow and 25mm metal ring make a great focal point for this tribute to Frida.  I added a bit of wire wrapping to the metal ring with 24 ga. Artistic Wire in gun metal and bronze canon copper wire.  The Raku pottery beads were made by Amy Mealy of the Xaz Bead Company.  These beautiful rust 12mm beads and the vivid blue/green 20mm beads have been in my stash for some time.  I met Amy in Santa Fe at Bead Fest in 2013. 

I included some large 20mm copper beads, spacer beads and findings that I purchased at Beads & Needs in Colorado.  The finishing touch was some small turquoise pieces to add to the length of the necklace.  This eclectic range of metals and the kaleidescope from the Raku pottery beads comes together nicely.

These are two of my favorite images of Frida. Each shows Frida's dark eyes, smooth skin, dark hair and full lips.  She was young and beautiful.  Looking at life head on.

This is a photo I have in my home.  Frida in another self portrait with her hair down.  The dark brow draws attention to the third eye.  The vine-like appearance of her clothing adds another dimension to her work which in and of itself was her autobiography.

Please click here to view the ABS Pinterest board where you will find jewelry of every category imaginable for this monthly challenge...our tribute to this beautiful and intriguing woman.

Happy Earth Day-

Keep Creating,

Karen



Torch Enameling 101

During Bead Fest Santa Fe I was able to take a class with Sara Lukkonen owner of C-Koop Beads from Duluth, Minnesota.  Sara shared her expertise with us teaching basic enameling techniques. 

 I especially liked that she emphasized safety precautions repeatedly throughout the class.  SAFETY FIRST!!!  Because everyone knows that the more you do something the more "comfortable" we become.  Comfort is fine but being safe is the most important -- we are working with FIRE and glass powder!

With 30 years of enameling/bead making experience Sara creates quality components and shares her expertise nation-wide. Here is another photo of Sara teaching torch enameling techniques in Santa Fe, NM.

Her easy to follow instructions inspired me to try my hand at torch enameling so I set up a new station in my studio.  We'll see what transpires.

components made in class

If there's something in particular you are interested in learning about I encourage you to take a class.  The environment allows the creative process to begin without worrying about EVERYTHING because so much is done for you.  Step-by-step instructions, instant feedback, Q & A and praise!  Get out there and do it!

Keep Creating,

Karen

Game of Thrones Jewelry Reveal

Game of Thrones fans are anxiously waiting for Season 5 to begin.  Will you be watching? Many of my beading buddies and I anxious to find out where Tyrion is and whether or not the dragons turn on Dany?  Who will live and who will die?  

The costume designers on go all out and create a fantasy world that captivates (us) their audience. There is something for everyone ... that's what makes it exciting and so fun to watch.

Margaery Tyrell's wedding dress

As a tribute to Game of Thrones Heather Powers owner of HumbleBeads invited jewelry makers to join her in the Game of Thrones blog hop!  Heather recommended that we choose a House or character as our inspiration.  

I chose Castle Black for obvious reasons...Jon Snow. 

Jon Snow is Lord Commander of the the Night's Watch who's duty is to guard The Wall; protecting the Seven Kingdoms in the far north. The Night's Watch live in Castle Black which is located in a remote region at the base of a glacier.  You won't see an actual castle here it's more of a fort.  

Headquarters of Night's Watch

This dark and chilling place is home to a band of misfit soldiers who take their vow to serve and protect seriously.  They face their enemies in the harshest of elements.  

To represent this cold dark place I chose some pretty onyx round and faceted beads.  I strung them with silver crystals and included a couple of Venetian beads that give the look of cracked ice.  

The show is sometimes very dark and I love black so I automatically was drawn to my stash of black beads.  The silver and gun metal findings represent the armor that you see throughout the show.  

Please stop by the other blogs to see the wonderful creations that they're showing in the Game of Thrones Jewelry Challenge.  Do leave a post telling me who your favorite GOT character is....

Keep Creating,

Karen