World Artisan Gems

Name: Sig Wynne-Evans

Website Link: www.beadedbear.com

Where are you located? Modesto California

Art Nouveau tiles

Tell us a bit about yourself:  I am a safety inspector by day. But I started out as a classically trained violinist, until an accident at a part time summer job nearly amputated my finger tip, ending my violin playing. So I switched from music to working with horses for a while (as a groom/assistant trainer at a race track in Saratoga Springs NY, then finally earning my degree in Environmental Toxicology that landed my in my present job as a safety inspector for the State of CA. For me, beadwork filled my creative need which helps balance the scientific/technical end of my day job.

The transitions above were not easy. I fell onto hard times, and welfare. Before welfare kicked in to make ends meet, my then very young daughter and I survived from gathering “groceries” from the local supermarket dumpster. So when the welfare was approved, we actually had a little money left over, with which I bought beads, and the beadwork also helped to provide a little extra money. It was during this time that I also finished my degree work.

Winter Branch

When and why did you begin creating your jewelry/art? I used to admire beadwork that was in a gallery near where I lived (in the 1980’s), I couldn’t find a class or someone to teach me, so I taught myself out of a book (Deon Delange’s Technique of Beaded Earrings). Quickly, I tired of the geometric designs and began designing my own earring designs. My first inspiration came from a restaurant ad that featured a couple having dinner. Behind them, was a wonderful stained glass peacock. Determined, I charted a likeness of the peacock into an earring design. That started the avalanche of designs (over 2000) that I have today.

What do you make? Assorted styles of seed bead work. Earrings, necklaces, three dimensional figures. In addition, I write a column of sorts called The Cracked Bead which is on my website that is a commentary on the bead business. So many people have loved my commentaries, asking for more! They tell me, it is about time someone says what I say in my tongue in cheek rantings!

Peacock and Doves Garden

What materials and methods do you use? Primarily Delica beads, and I am exploring Aiko beads as well. I add Czech beads, Austrian C\crystals and other beads to enhance my work. I am always looking for unique materials!

Where do your design inspirations come from? Much comes from Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Arts and Crafts and the Pre-Raphelite art movements inspire me, as well as traveling to other countries.

The Garden Wall

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? My studio is the room meant to be a dining room. It never served that purpose. The room houses my beads, computer and part of my art/bead library. I have a work table where I sit with my parrot beside me while I bead.

Where can your products be seen? www.beadedbear.com, www.bead-patterns.com

Upcoming events ec 6-7 The Women’s Building Craft show in Ft Mason San Francisco.

Magazine articles or press: I have written articles for Bead and Button, and Beadwork Magazines, I was also contributing Editor for Jewlery Crafts Magazine for 10 years. I also have authored over 20 bead pattern books.

Who are you a fan of? The Dali Lama, Yanni, Madonna, Vivaldi, Johan Strauss, Enigma, Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Zimmer, John Waterhouse, Alphonso Mucha (not necessarily in that order!).

Price range: $15-$4000

Tell us  a little about one of your favorite creations: The Mermaid. It is by John Waterhouse, one of my favorite artists. It represents over 40 hours to chart the design, and some 3 months of beading time.

The Mermaid