Saturday, May 2, 2009

Featured DIVA of the Month - May

Announcing our DIVA for the month of May...
Lara Lutrick...Etsy Shop lutrick...

It was with great pleasure that I chose to do an interview with Lara for this month of May...Lara has done alot of work with pulling the Fire Divas group together on FB...She's been onboard since we started on FB and we all appreciate her hard work and input...We now have a Fan Page on FaceBook if you would like to see what the Fire Divas are up to...Feel free to join if you are a Diva or just a fan...
So here's my interview with Lara...I hope you all enjoy...
Tell me a little bit about yourself…
My name is Lara Lutrick and I live outside of Seattle. I’m a full time Registered Nurse at a family practice clinic. I make beads on the weekends.

What made you want to become a lampwork artist?
While I was in college I was making simple earrings and bracelets with pressed glass and Indian lampwork beads. While at a local arts and crafts fair in the mid 1990’s I saw and bought my first true artisan lampwork bead. The artist told me that I could take a class at my local bead store. I was immediately hooked.

How long have you been sharing your work with the public?
My early work is with family and friends. I have been sharing my work on online forms since the late 90s, but have been selling since 2003.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in the glass itself. Using a flame to manipulate glass into a bead is like magic. The solid glass becomes a viscous liquid, which can be manipulated into untold numbers of objects. I also like the way that some glass colors react with others (for example turquoise and ivory or silvered glasses on ivory). A similar reaction happens between some glass colors and silver leaf. Using these techniques can create even more colors and patterns in the glass and add depth and texture to the bead.


What other interests or hobbies do you enjoy?
I used to do a lot of cross stitch, crochet and polymer clay beads, but once I found lampworking it almost all got put down. I have picked up the knitting needles and crochet hook again recently.

What handmade possession do you cherish the most if any?
My dad is a woodworker. He made my desk, bed, jewelry box, chest of drawers, side table, and bookcase. I also own several of his turned bowels and vessels. I cherish those the most.



Name your 5 favorite books, movies and/or songs/groups…
1. Books - Outlander series
2. TV – Spooks/MI5
3. TV – West Wing
4. Movies – Lord of the Rings trilogy

What are some of your favorite websites besides Etsy?
Lampwork Etc

Where do you promote your lampwork creations?
Website
In person at Up Front art gallery in Issaquah Washington.


In 10 years I see myself…
a. Having a studio at my own home (currently work out of my parents’ garage as I live in an apt)
b. Doing more collaboration with my dad.
c. World famous for my glass – doesn’t hurt to aim high.