Several weeks ago, someone posted a link to the new beads that Dawn Scannell (Art Insomnia) was selling on Ebay. I had bought beads from Dawn a couple of years ago, and they were very nice. The link posted showed something else altogether; Dawn has been working hard to improve her craft, and her beads show it.
Some of you guys said that you were bidding, but sneaky Kathy did as she always does: put in a quiet snipe and went on her merry way. Happily for me, I won the beads, and didn't say anything about winning the auction. I was thrilled to send some money to Dawn and find out that she is doing well, and to catch up a little from my RCB days. Then because life gets in the way, I promptly forgot about the auction.
Until today, when my daughter brought in the mail. Among the ridiculous burden of catalogs that threaten to bury my house was a small padded envelope. Inside the envelope was a familiar organdy bag containing some of the most breathtaking beads I've ever seen: About 1" rounded squares in a perfect goes-with-everything gray. The ends of each bead are etched, and the center is left clear, with a border that looks like stringers of white, black and aventurine are keeping the waves of etching from overrunning the clear part. The beads feel velvety smooth, and are the most peaceful shade of gray that reminds me of the ocean just before a storm
Dawn also added two matching beads for earrings. I'm in love, and am thrilled at the leaps in technical skill Dawn has made in such a short time. These beads, which are _much_ nicer than the auction photos suggested, are incredible: technically perfect, are thin and light and feel perfectly smooth without being fragile and wimpy, and are evocative of a mood without hitting you over the head. Pretty amazing for what is essentially a monocolored bead.
The name of the set is "Into the Fog," and the title really tells the story: holding the beads makes you think of a foggy twilight, with only the light of a weak street light to cut through deep, chilling fog that obscures even the most familiar places.
I'm so happy. I love beautifully made items, no matter what the medium. When I find something that shouts out the skill and emotion of the maker, I feel so privileged to be entrusted with that little piece of art. These precious items have a good home with me; I will use the items as intended, while thinking of the artist who made them I hope that's what the artist wants. When I make things, that's my highest intention for them.
It always makes me sad when people say they'll "save my jewelry for a special occasion." Makes me think that either they hate it and are too polite to say so, or that they save all their good stuff for special occasions. As far as I'm concerned, any day I can wake up to be with the people I love is a special occasion, and I'm not saving my stuff for some future occasion that might never come.
I'm off to make a bracelet and earrings. Yippee, yippee.
BTW, Thank you Dawn. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for more of your auctions!
Kathy N-V