 As a child my hands were usually busy. I always had drawing supplies and would spend hours sketching and listening to audio books. Then I learned to sew, embroider, hand quilt, crochet, and of course beadwork. I loved to focus on some small detailed project, learn a new technique and turn it into something unusual.
These being my passions I was really lucky to be home schooled and then to live in the Bush on an Island in Alaska. We grew oysters and when I was not helping out on the water, cooking meals or getting in the winter's fire wood, I was either reading or busy with hand work.
Limitations have been perhaps my greatest inspiration. Living in the Bush you get your mail once every two months. I got to town once every six to eight months. I learned to work with the things I had. The resources that came my way I savored to their last detail.
Now living in Maine I have access to the modern world, and all one could possibly need. But from my years of isolation I come to this plenty with a trained appreciation for the limits that still arise. As a fine craftsman beyond making things beautifully, I must also design my work to be efficient and thus affordable. Running a small business I must fit in all of the management, and promotion along with the creation of my work, leaving time each day for preparing meals, bringing in fire wood and of course reading.
Sihaya Hopkins
Lampwork glass beads and jewelry
BLOSSOM STUDIO
Celebrating ten years of fine craft!
Brooklin, Maine & www.BlossomStudioBeads.com
|
