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Beadwork Inspired by Art: Impressionist
Jewelry and Accessories
Published: 01-Sep-2008
Co-authors: Jean Campbell & Judith Durant
Beadwork Inspired by Art is a series of beadwork project books, inspired by the colors, textures, and forms of historical art and craft traditions. The authors present full instructions for 12 one-of-a-kind beadwork projects inspired by their favorite masterpieces—by some of the world’s finest artists.
In this volume, working with a “canvas” of beads, thread, and a variety of techniques—from stringing to weaving—readers learn to recreate the jewelry and home decor objects of the Impressionist period, an art style known for its energetic brushstrokes of colors and sensual effects. The historical photograph that inspired each project and detailed step-by-step instructions and drawings are included, too.
Editorial Review
Two recently published books can provide lessons in capturing the essence of color, form and texture in artwork and translating it into beadwork: Beadwork Inspired by Art: Impressionist Jewelry and Accessories and Beadwork Inspired by Art: Art Nouveau Jewelry and Accessories, both by Jean Campbell and Judith Durant. These books offer not only stunning projects and instructions to complete them but also a more thoughtful approach to gaining and applying our inspiration. Both are worth spending an evening of fascinating reading about how works of art may be interpreted and then seeing how the authors turned their inspiration into beaded jewelry and objects.
Both books follow the same format: three-four pages of background about the artistic style with a list of artists for future reference, followed by 12 projects that interpret specific works of art. It is a feast to put it simply. Whether you're the type of person who does her own thing or one who wants to make a specific project and have it turn out like the picture, these books give a wide range of possibilities including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants and even decorative objects. The pieces are wearable for both the office and special occasions and are sure to bring compliments to which you can reply, "Yes, it was inspired by the Impressionist (or Art Nouveau) artist _____(fill in the blank)" and then go on to give some background about the piece, surely a conversation starter.
In the Impressionist book, one of my favorites is "Mango Woman Pendant" inspired by "Woman with a Mango" by Paul Gaugin. In the finished piece we can see the elements of form and color transposed into a pendant. The swirling movement of the woman's dress and her orange mango become a spiraling bead pendant accented with an orange facetted drop. In the Art Nouveau book, Chat Noir Bracelet, Lalique Earrings, the Laburnum Bracelet inspired by a Tiffany lamp, and Metro Station Earrings will make you wonder which to begin first. My favorite in this book was the embellished mother-of-pearl donut inspired by the domed ceiling of Paris' most renowned department store, Galeries Lafayette.
Don't miss these books if you want to expand your horizons into more artful beading.
Reviewed by Diane Fitzgerald