The Artist Behind The Beads
I am blessed to make a career in art, and pursue a passion that began when I was in grade school and summertime art classes. While my adult years brought marriage, children and a full-time nursing career, I was shown a way back to my dream of being an artist and creating work for both myself and others to enjoy — art I hope tickles some whimsy and provokes a smile along the way…
My training in lampwork beads began in 2002 under guidance of Ginny Sycuro in Evergreen, Colorado, training that helped shape my current lampwork style. I have also studied with other noted regional and national artists such as Kim Miles from Taos, New Mexico, and Corina Tettinger from Camano Island, Washington.
Inspired by the creative processes involved with bead making, I joined the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) and attended their national gathering in Arlington, Virginia where I was exposed to international artists whose glass bead creations were beyond fabulous! I was inspired to make art full time, and soon began traveling to shows in Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Louisiana and Georgia under the trade name Bluebird Beads.
In 2005, I relocated to Windsor, Colorado, where I was inspired by the beauty of the mountains, streams and wildlife in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. I launched Firenza beads with my husband Tom, and we discovered an artistic synergy with my glass beads and his handy work in silver and precious metals. In January 2009, I was blessed with the opportunity to move to Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, and open Firenza Gallery.
Some of my whimsical creations have been featured in trade publications such as “Beadwork” magazine and in the books “The Art and Soul of Glassbeads” and “Passing the Flame - Spotlight on Beads.” My jewelry pieces are on view in shops and galleries Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Asheville, North Carolina.
Please come visit me at Firenza!
- Jill Shank, July 2009, Arroyo Seco