The Modernization of an Art Form

I've mentioned before how I find it disturbing when I hear other beaders say that beadweaving is no longer "in" as an art form, and that no one wants to purchase beadwoven work and it's impossible to sell beadwoven jewelry.

I don't think that the problem is the art form itself.

I mean, isn't that like saying that knitting is just too old an art form and no one will ever want knitted pieces? (The magazine aisle in my Barnes and Noble says otherwise).

I'm sure the Greeks also told Michaelangelo when he started working on David...."Hey Mike! Sculpture is sooo yesterday!".

Well, it didn't stop him and it shouldn't stop you either no matter what your art form.

It's just another part of the challenge.

Can I take an ancient technique (sewing, knitting, mosaic, metalsmithing, etc...) and create something modern, fresh?

I believe you can.

These pendants, I'm calling them Arch Pendants were created using the pattern for my La Catedral Bangle. The pattern was definitely tweaked somewhat to create the arch, but for the most part it's the same pattern.

A modern shape from an ancient technique that most definitely is not out of style.

And just for good measure, I created another bangle.

This one in shimmery copper.

That makes three of these that I currently have in my possession.

I've got plans to make more.

The beadweaving is so therapeutic with these and repetitive.

The structure is sturdy as well and they feel very architectural when worn.

I've listed the pendants in my shop, in Teal and Copper.

Also, the Copper Bangle is in there along with the Tutorial in case you're one of those artists who's all hung up on creating things using ancient techniques that you can only find in dusty books amongst other ancient writings.