My name is Yana Bespalaya, I live in Kharkov, Ukraine and I'm more commonly known as Meisterin in the Internet. After the end of the "Fashion Colorworks 2014" when I found out that my work won it, I was expecting to be interviewed and was not prepared to write an article. But the format of featuring winners has changed this year, and I had to "turn on" my memory and eloquence to tell about myself, about the contest and creativity.
Since I can remember, I've always been interested in something: martial arts, playing guitar, drawing, knitting. I have long been interested in music just as a listener, I draw on the level of sketches for my beadworks, I knit with beads, I was a Ukrainian taekwondo champion of Ukraine but hasn't long been engaged in that sport. Instead, beading has stayed with me for 16 years.
It all started with weaving baubles from Chinese glass beads; later I've used Czech beads for some complex work, as well as for contest and exhibition items. At the moment I get a real pleasure to work with Japanese beads, quality findings and gemstones. Now beading for me is not just a hobby, but also a stable source of income.
Prior to each my work, I draw a sketch and although I deviate from original ideas very often, I follow already created image. My favorite technique is peyote and brick stitch, bead embroidery and, of course, free-form, which gives me ability freely put together some elements made from different materials. I love pastel or very lively, juicy colors. I really like combinations of black with bright shades accented by tiny details in gold or silver.
I like working with Delica beads by Miyuki, thanks to them I can create beautiful geometric shapes and using different sizes make interesting non-standard forms. When participating in Fashion Colorworks, I discovered Miyuki Tila beads. I gave them a try and I was pretty excited; I've already drawn some sketches of designs with Tila for the future beadworks.
In addition to jewelry bead weaving, I'm also fascinated by bead paintings. For this I mostly use the Czech beads of Preciosa, I love them for their rich color palette, a wide range of sizes and great value. Previously, when studied at the university and worked, I could spend only 2-3 evening hours to work with beads. Then, when I opened my online store and started to receive commissions, I began to devote almost all working hours to my favorite hobby. Now, going on maternity leave, I'm beading at any convenient time.
At first, I've participated in the contests of online stores and won two consecutive third places; then I decided to try my hands in more prestigious competitions, but unfortunately I couldn't make the next qualifying round. I entered Fashion Colorworks first time in 2012, but then failed even to the final. Now I understand that the materials were not good and my performance were weak, and my camera distorted the color of my entry, so the chance of winning was very small. I really wanted to take part in last year, but somehow I swirled with commissions and didn't have enough time for the contest entry.
This year I decided to take the competition seriously, I've drawn sketches for a long time, carefully selected materials and redone my beadwork more than once. I decided not to cut my budget to create a "strategic" stocks and not to deny my inspiration. I did the handbag the first time in my life, previously I have mainly created jewelry and souvenirs. Now I think my debut was highly successful.
The results of the Fashion Colorworks made me pleasantly shocked. After reaching the final, I felt that my work would be able to win a prize, but the fact that my handbag got three awards was a very nice surprise, I couldn't believe this at first. Judging was very pleased, the winning works are really amazing. I think that the judges experienced difficulties scoring so many wonderful works. Special thanks to all who have supported my work with their voices during voting for the People's Choice Award, because this prize is one of the main in my opinion.
My beloved husband supports my in all my endeavors, he is my inspirer, and critic, and the chief judge. He was constantly pushing me to work if I was distracted. During my work on the contest entry my husband and I made our main decision and our baby will be born this fall! So, this year I already have and will have lots of victories, new experiences and achievements.
I'm very pleased that my beadwork brings joy not only to me. I wish myself and all craftswomen always be so full of inspiration and new ideas that would continue to please ourselves and the others with handmade wonders.
My gallery on MyLovelyBeads.com
About author:
| Yana Bespalaya, Kharkov, Ukraine | |
| Email address: | meisterin@bk.ru |
| Website: | meisterin.com.ua |
