beadmeister ARTIST STATEMENT

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I, Mel Jonassen (a.k.a. Beadmeiser), learned how to join beads together with needle and thread in 1988. Jewelry ensued, art followed. Early work focused on texture and color as I got a feel for the medium. Now, I find myself able to easily express complex ideas with little planning. A variety of techniques enable me to loom a flat wall piece, sculpt a hollow form using only the thread's tension for support, embroider movement and texture, create a flowing bead fabric, or custom make glass beads over a torch flame.

Larger works of art can take up to 11 years; however, I find balance in designing jewelry that can be completed in one sitting. Lampworking (creating one of a kind glass beads) is yet another rewarding outlet, often inspired by the moment and glass at hand.

My artwork, jewelry and glass beads have been published numerous times in bead-related magazines/books, and show in local and national galleries (including the Museum of Arts & Design in NYC). My vison is to give beadwork more exposure as an art form.