Welcome back to our four part series on Diva of the Month, Holly Dare of
HollysFolly. This week Holly answers all the glassy questions we can throw her way!
What attracted you to glass?
When I was working as a producer on HGTV's The Carol Duvall Show, one of my guests would come in dripping in lampwork. Her jewelry, her scissor fob, her pens, everything was glass. I was drawn to the color and feel. Even though I had taught and made jewelry for years, I had no idea what glass beads were. Then when I got to write some of the out of studio segments, I got to see how the beads were made.
Many glass artists have training in other art mediums. Do you? If yes, please explain.
Well, I'm a lifelong crafter and started teaching when I was 17. But discovering rubber stamps and thus feeling free to play with better quality art materials really opened me up artistically. I started to get an understanding of color. I spent most of 2003 in a wheel chair and studied oil painting and I find what I learned about layering of color really helps with glass. It also makes me a "glass snob" - I look for glass that utilizes mid-tones, highlights and low-lights. Those are all elements of a good painting and I feel that glass is the same. If an artist doesn't think of those things... well they really aren't an artist to me.
Describe the first bead you made that you were really proud of? Are you still proud of it now? (Please send a photo if you have one.)
I'll let you know when I do! LOL! Seriously, I'm really hard on myself. But I think the one is actually a set and I've never tried to sell it! I keep it in my show stash and rarely put it out. It's a set of purple reduction beads in a variety of shapes. I put so much work into them, they are priceless and can't part with them.
Artist's Private Collection
What inspires you?
Oh gosh, what doesn't would be an easier question. I hike everyday in our local mountains and take tons of pictures and can get inspire from anything out there. I've made beads based on graffiti to flowers. I'm always analyzing color in nature and trying to match it to color rods in my head. I'm a Pisces and love anything to do with the sea. I adore the challenge of making LARGE hollow seashells. My day job often takes me to pastry shows and I love trying to capture sweets in glass. Lately, my inspiration has come from upholstery fabrics. Sometimes it's a shape and sometimes it's just the challenge of knowing I can pull something off and push my skills further than before. I also love playing with scale....making something as large as I can and then making it as tiny as possible.
Do you have a plan when you sit down to torch? Do you sketch beads or have photos around for reference?
I usually have a plan. Sometimes it's as simple as a list, especially if I made the beads before. If it's something new, I will hit Google pics and pull a few images of an object from different angles and print that up and hang it near the torch. If it's a sculptural piece- I tend to like elaborate beads - I will make an ordered list of what to do when.
Photography seems to be a key element for any glass artist.
What type of camera / lightbox set up do you use? I have a little Nikon Cool Pix which I hate more and more every day. I really hate what Nikon does to the color blue but still it takes better pictures than any other camera I've ever used. But I long to upgrade to an SLR. I studied photography for years and the lack of options on an ordinary digital makes me nuts. But Photoshop is a must. I recommend taking a class in that for any bead artist. It can make up for a myriad of mistakes.
I have a little double layered light box but I only use it at night when I'm on a deadline. I've pitched it for a folder full of paper: white, black and neutral gray. I put that on whichever side of my back porch is shady and shoot away. I'm much happier with those pictures than I am with the pricey light box! But if the bead is highly reflective, I end up on the light box anyway.
If the issue of finances (i.e. will it sell?) were of no consequence, what would you spend your time making?
Since I can never pick what will sell - I've had beads I hated sell within minutes of listing and ones I love sit and sit - I would just spend more time making beads.
Teeny Weeny Cupcakes
What kind of jewelry do you wear? Everyday vs. out on the town?
Well, both of my professions are filthy. Between work in a rubber stamp manufacturing, glass and hiking, I stay dirty! Not exactly the look for fine jewelry. But, one of my favorite beadmakers ALWAYS wears something and she's picked up customers while hiking (always has a card on her too!)!! So I try to wear something I can throw on a chain...just one fabulous bead. But when I'm out and about, I love something "simply complicated" like a four foot long lariat with large focals on each end.
What is the one skill you wish came easier to you?
Being able to make the same bead over and over. It kills me! I get bored easily.
What do you love about marketing your business? What’s the hardest part of marketing it?
The best part is the costumers. I love that feeling of knowing someone gets my weird humor and sees what I see in a bead. I also love seeing what they make! I really despise the amount of time I feel I need to be on the computer when I would rather be torching. The hardest part is just finding customers.
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