Artist Name
Evelyn Duberry – ShebaMakeda Glass Art
Website
Tell us something about yourself/bio/other interests?
I’m a part-time glass beadmaker who since discovering this molten glass obsession has given up all other hobbies including my former shoe addiction (ok, maybe not entirely gave that up – just severely cut back). I’ve always loved glass beads and now being able to make my own is like a dream come true! I currently live in Ottawa, have a somewhat off-beat sense of humour and try to enjoy life here despite the crazy, sub-zero winters.
How long have you been making glass beads (or beading, or designing jewellery)?
I’ve been designing jewellery for decades (wire-wrapping, polymer clay, stained glass, etc.), however, i’ve only been making glass beads since 2006. As my beadmaking skills progress, i’m slowly moving back to making jewellery again – this time with my own beads.
What inspires you?
Imperfection, the abstract and age… I love abstract modern art, outsider art and the ancient art from many different cultures. You’ll see those influences constantly through my work. I quite deliberately don’t strive for perfection in my beads – i like to let the glass flow and mix and play with the flame chemistry to see what will develop. I try to stretch the traditional definition of what is a glass bead each time i sit in front of my torch.
Tell us about your best beadmaking/jewellery moment…
Every time i open the kiln – it’s like opening a present after each torch session. Because i can’t tell if the bead or design is a success when it’s hot, i usually wake up in the morning and run straight to the kiln to see what i’ve made. When most everything in there is a success it’s just the best feeling…
Tell us about your worst beadmaking/jewellery moment…
In my first few months of beadmaking i seriously burned my fingertip making a bead. The memory of the smell of my own burning flesh combined with the taste (i was dumb enough to pop that burnt finger straight into my mouth) has ensured i’m much, much more careful since then. And eventually my fingerprint even grew back!
What will you be bringing to the 2009 OGBA Show?
I’ll have my usual selection of sculpted goddess beads, pendants and new fall bead styles for the Pandora & Troll bracelet ladies. I’ve been on a heart kick lately so i’ll have some of those as well. New this year: I’ll also have some finished jewellery.
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