weekend wrapup

i’m back from philadelphia, my head swimming with ideas, new information and new connections. i have a lot to say about dan cormier and tracy holmes’ engaging workshop, but it will be a few days before i have pictures to show so i’ll stay mum until then.

i didn’t turn the laptop on for two days – no research, no posts, no checking emails. i was completely ‘in the moment’, an indication of how well ‘building better beads’ draws you in and keeps you mesmerized. watch this space for exciting news about what’s coming up next for the dynamic duo, why i believe this round of workshops is critical to the well being of the medium and how griffin steals the show.

one of the benefits of attending a workshop is meeting new people, enjoying lively conversation and learning about what makes another artist’s heart sing. talented pmc artist gwen bernecker was my delightful table-mate for the workshop.

bernecker’s background in architecture and affinity for building is evident in the well executed hollow form pendants that dominate her current work. the pendants offer several layers of interest: intricate texture, subtle color, wavy, undulating lines and curves and kinetic movement.

her website is under construction, though there are a few pictures to whet your appetite until the update is complete. you can see more of her work here, and for the east coast crowd, this summer she will be teaching at beadfest atlanta and beadfest philadelphia.

gwen bernecker made a mid-career change, following a new path driven by a passion for her art and she is now enjoying a success as multi-layered as the hollow form pendants that grace this page. brava!