My History of Beadwork
My name is Yuki Tachibana, I live in Japan. First of all, I found myself not as an artist, but just a person who enjoys beading and I am happy to tell you a little bit about my beadworks. My first acquaintance with beads occurred in childhood when I bought several small bead kits to weave fishes, vegetables, fruits, etc., and enjoyed making them. Then, no matter how, I had lost my interest to beading for a long time.
At the end of 2003 a small article in the newspaper attracted my attention. The writing was about bead flowers class and the project was a beautiful Christmas bead tree. Unfortunately, I couldn't apply to it because it was a very short notice, and I asked the newspaper company if I could get the project kit, but they said, that the teacher, Ms. Minako Shimonagase wanted the students to take a class. So, I couldn't give up, and I started waiting for the next opportunity.
Finally, I caught the chance in the early 2004. I found out an article of bead flowers workshop in a cultural center by the same teacher as a few months before. I sent my application as soon as I knew about it and began studying. I learned basic techniques and have made some seasonal bead flower arrangements during two years. It was a wonderful experience, but soon I understood that it wasn't enough for me.
Ms. Minako Shimonagase established her bead flowers studio, Candy Garden in 2003, and I got information that she had just opened courses in her salon. I asked Ms. Minako directly to take classes at her studio in order to seriously learn much more, and she welcomed me. The curriculum of the Candy Garden consists of more than 120 projects; it was very hard but I could manage it. I have completed the full course in 5 years and was certified as a master instructor of Candy Garden. Frankly, I don't work as an instructor because I have a full time job, though.
What Bead Flowers Are
Because we need quite a lot of beads to make flower elements, firstly we string glass seed beads. After that, we transfer strung beads onto a colored wire at and then make parts of flowers such as petals, leaves, calyxes, etc.. At the end, we assemble all elements and form every part three-dimensionally to express bead flowers beautifully.
Bead flowers don't wither without water! That is the best merit of bead flowers. Also, we could enjoy with unreal colored beads - just look at the photos of my works, "Blue Sunflower" and "Red Leaves Object". These are the reasons why I love beading flowers for a long time without getting tired of that process.
How I Imagine My Works
I often go to the museums and galleries to see paintings, especially the works of impressionists like Monet, Renoir, Degas, Manet, and so on. I look at the colors and images on the artworks as a whole and in details and get inspired. I cannot express my feelings, but I believe pictorial art has some influence on my beadworks.
Also I like traveling to Europe learning art treasures of the world heritage. Looking at the historical buildings and landscapes makes me feel like as I see the paintings by the artists of impressionism. I must apologize for my poor abstract explanation but the main point is that works of art inspire my imagination.
How I made "Teacup Poodle Mini-sculpture"
I always respect the quality of Japanese glass seed beads (Toho, Miyuki, and Hiroshima). Their shining glass adorns my works beautifully and gorgeously, so, I want to make many cute things with bead flowers. Once an idea came up to me to create a poodle from bead carnations featuring its curly hair, that's sitting in a bead teacup among small violets.
To tell the truth, I've been sick in March and had a surgery in April. I was worried if I could finish my beadwork for the contest before deadline, but I've done it in a month. Now I perfectly realized that working on bead flowers and the contest entry saved me from a gloomy mood and I'm very pleased I learned bead flowers.
About Fashion Colorworks Beading Contest
Since bead flower techniques are not well-known and widespread in Japan yet, I decided to learn this beautiful art worldwide. Luckily, last year I found out the website of Fashion Colorworks Beading Contest. I got interested in its uniqueness very much because the contest required to design a beadwork using limited color combination. I thought for a while and entered Fashion Colorworks with my "A Woman with Parasol Stand".
I've been very busy at work that time and had only two weeks to design and create my entry. However, it was juried into the final to my happiness. I didn't win but I believed I made success. I decided to try in 2014, and I grabbed the third place this year. I'm highly honored to be a winner. I appreciate all of the judges and especially to Ms. Zoya Gutina for giving me such a wonderful moment!
I'm looking forward to seeing the new color combinations announcement for the next year Fashion Colorworks and all of the beautiful beadworks submitted. Of course, I will participate in the 2015 contest, too!
My gallery on MyLovelyBeads.com
About author:
| Yuki Tachibana, Chiba, Japan | |
| Email: | yuki-t@ka2.so-net.ne.jp |
| Facebook: | facebook.com/yves.fleurdoranger |
| Candy Garden: | www.candy-garden.com |
