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Diana Kirkpatrick, creator of Art you Can Wear at
DianaKirkpatrick.com:
My love for art, nature, and jewelry making began at an early age.
When I was growing up, my family spent many happy times exploring
the Appalachians and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The crafts and
jewelry I saw inspired me to explore enameling, weaving, macramé,
and beadwork.
After completing a PhD
and post-doctoral work in chemistry, I began to explore lapidary
arts and silversmithing. I wanted to be able to create a total
design for my jewelry pieces. Over the years, my exploration of
jewelry and beading techniques progressed to include bead weaving
and stringing techniques and finally needle weaving.
Along the way, I also became fascinated by Middle Eastern dance. I
was intrigued by the dancer’s elaborate costumes and the detailed
bead work employed in creating them. I opened my own dance studio
and became involved in the costume business. My
“Art You Can Wear” designs include exotic woven fiber, metal, and
bead creations in addition to more traditional beaded pieces. My
designs are often sparked by colors and textures I observe in
nature, but special stones and beads play a role as well - I find
the rainbow of colors exciting and inspiring. I have always been
intrigued by crystals and the various forms they take and include
crystals in many of my pieces for their texture and eye-catching
qualities.
In creating a piece, specific shapes and color combinations start a
concept that leads to an overall design, then beads and fibers are
selected. As I travel, I select special beads, amulet boxes,
pendants, and coins. I constantly experiment with new materials and
approaches when I construct pieces, so every design has unique
characteristics and qualities.
Currently my designs include a number of techniques and reflect the
vivid colors and motifs of native cultures. They incorporate beads
and semi-precious gemstones from around the world. Each of my
designs can be produced in a variety of colors and can be accented
with many different beads. As a result each piece, even those
created from the same general pattern, is uniquely individual.
In every instance, my goal is to create to a work of art that brings
enjoyment whether it is being worn or displayed in some other
manner.
Article from Hagerstown
Morning Herald...
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