I’ve always wondered why I love beads so much. I' m not from African descent, there is no history of beadwork In my family; so why do I have this fascination and obsession with beads? I have a large collection of beads, including vintage, wood, and glass, plastic and shell beads.
Well, the most obvious reason is that beads in themselves are a work of art. Each one has its own story to tell and its own beauty. Beads have the ability to transform a utilitarian object into a work of art. Therein lays my fascination and awe. I have a great passion for books. My collection of sketchbooks and hand made books consists of nearly 1800 in total. There is no better feeling than to create my own book with beautiful paper and fabrics and then embellish it with beads!
The Yoruba tribe is known for their art with beads. Beads represent symbols of status and hierarchy, protective charms and accessories and for rituals and seductions. Beads were also used for trading. They symbolize wealth, power and desire. Beads that were made from certain materials represented specific beliefs and status. Early on beads were made from bone, seeds, clay and shell. Later they consisted of glass, metal and ivory. Beads were used to decorate almost any object one could imagine from clothing and jewelry to furniture. The power of the little bead continues on in the 21st century. Beads still represent wealth for example. Only the wealthy can afford a beaded gown worth 200 thousand dollars! Woman and men still adorn themselves with beaded jewelry to make them attractive. Nothing has changed over the centuries. The bead still has the ability and power to transform.
Please feel free to visit my website at www.labedzki-art.com
kind regards,
Annette
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