Countdown... Inspired by Shape & Movement

"...black is the queen of colors." ~ Auguste Rodin

Of all the colors in the crayon box, my favorite was always black.

I loved the color names, but black is the one crayon in every kids box that was always a nub come October.

Black goes with everything.

I own more black shoes, pants, skirts, dresses and shirts than all my other clothes combined.

So when I saw this monoprint by artist Roberta Honl I knew that I had to use it in my show.
Roberta is a local art teacher, and her daughter is a talented artist as well {in fact, her daughter is also one of my artists...more on her later}. This monoprint is one of a triptych of three that are different sizes. Placed together they are quite striking.

There is shape and movement in these pieces. In fact, when you walk up to them you would swear they are 3D, like those Magic Eye books of the past. As if you stared hard enough at them the colors would morph and a new shape would appear.

In thinking about bead artists that would complement this piece, I didn't have to look hard. Nancy Schindler of Round Rabbit makes some extraordinary ceramic components. Her pieces can be lush and baroque, fun and whimsical, or downright modern and clean lined. Nancy made me some links to complement the shapes shifting throughout the monoprint.

But I knew I needed more. And so I asked the delightful Julianna Cannon of Julsbeads to be inspired. And inspired she was. So much so that I am overwhelmed by the glass that she worked for me in the oppressive heat of her Alabama studio.

Here is what Juls had to say...

What inspires you?
A song, a sunset, a person, a dream~ all of the random things that touch my soul on any given day. Regardless of the medium, my style is impressionism. I create what I feel.
What was your inspiration for this particular piece?
Balanced duality: The random intention in the dimensional layers of color, both organic and elegant, is equally inviting and inciting.

Shape Shifter lariat style necklace
featuring Round Rabbit connector and JulsBead glass masterpiece

I had to stop myself from licking these beads ;-) {you wouldn't blame me if I did, right?}


I think that they both hit this one out of the park. What do you think?

Enjoy the day!

P.S. I just placed an order for postcard versions of all of these teasers. My artist friend Ann Singsaas says that they will become collectors editions!