This week, we learn about all things glass in Diva of the Month Lara Lutrick's beady world!
What attracted you to glass?
While at a local arts and crafts fair, I saw and bought my first true artisan lampwork bead. The artist told me that there were classes at my local bead store. I took the class and was immediately hooked. I like that glass can be transparent and let light through or opaque for crisp designs.
Many glass artists have training in other art mediums. Do you?
Nope, no formal training in other mediums.
Describe the first bead you made that you were really proud of? Are you still proud of it now?
I know that a lot of artists keep their early beads and remember the first bead they make, I didn’t. I don’t have a lot of my early beads and any early beads I was proud of at the beginning I don’t remember or don’t have a photo of.
What inspires you?
Making something pretty that can be used in jewelry.
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 (today I will make black back with purple dots) but I rarely sketch beads or use a photo. The exception is my bunny bead. Check out the inspiration for some bunny beads on my blog:
Photography seems to be a key element for any glass artist. What type of camera / lightbox set up do you use?
I have a soft sided lightbox and two 5400K florescent blubs and a Nikon D80 SLR digital camera.
If the issue of finances (i.e. will it sell?) were of no consequence, what would you spend your time making?
I’m not sure: I think big huge beads with large dots/bumps.
What kind of jewelry do you wear? Everyday vs. out on the town?
I generally wear a simple wire wrapped focal on a chain or leather and simple earrings.
What is the one skill you wish came easier to you? Sculptural.
What do you love about marketing your business? What’s the hardest part of marketing it?
Love about Marketing: Taking a really good photograph. Hardest part: Tooting my own horn.
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