Book Review - Suzanne Golden Presents Interviews with 36 Artists Who Innovate with Beads

Suzanne Golden Presents Interviews with 31 Artists Who Innovate with Beads

Published by Lark Crafts

ISBN 978-1-4547-0410-2

Price £17.99

This book is a focus on the work of 31 artists working with beads in an assortment of artistic forms.  The book takes the form of interviews conducted by Suzanne Golden, but incorporates that into studies of each of the artist's work.  We learn how each artist started out, incorporates beads into their design, the response they get to their work and how they feel their work has evolved.  Amongst the interviews, there are several photographs of their work.

The artists come from all around the world, and the source for much of this talent was the internet (it truly is a wonderful thing).  It is really interesting to see the work including but not exclusively jewellery pieces. There are some amazing shoes created by Marina Dempster (as featured on the cover), some quirky jewellery by Felieke van der Leest and an amazing human form by Betsy Youngquist.  The wire-loomed vessels by Jeanette Ahlgren have such vivid colours and are beautifully constructed.

Gusz Goosz necklace by Felieke van der Leest.  Reproduced from Suzanne Golden Presents for promotional purposes.

#133 Ethos Amped, 2010 by Jeanette Ahlgren.  Reproduced from Suzanne Golden Presents for promotional purposes.

 The majority of the work we see in the book is made from seed beads, so you can only guess the artistry and time that is taken to create all the works included.  Some of them have amazing patterns (see Jan Huling's Reaching for Enlightenment) or have great attention to detail (see Linda Dolak's beaded food packets) so there is enough variety for you to see just how wildly different beaded works of art can be.

If you are in need of some colour, humour and art-envy, then look no further...