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Cynthia is a contemporary artist and teacher
focusing on beadwork as her medium. She specializes in peyote stitch and
off-loom weaving techniques with an emphasis on developing sculptural
unsupported shapes in beadwork.
As a
teacher, Cynthia shares her expertise on the road for most of the year.
Her work has been exhibited in national
and international shows and has appeared in Nicolette Stessin's Beaded
Amulet Purses, Carol Taylor's Creative Bead Jewelry, and Carol
Wilcox Wells' Creative Bead Weaving: A Contemporary Guide to Classic
Off-Loom Stitches.
"My attraction to 3-dimensional shapes has created
a fascination for me throughout my life and has fueled my creative spirit.
My choice of beadwork as a primary medium has followed that same
fascination. As my beadwork has evolved, my work seems to always lean
towards the building of shapes and forms that are functional and wearable.
The choice to use beads as my medium was primarily influenced by my love
of color. Beads reflect and absorb light, hold shape and dimension, and in
so doing, offer chameleon-like qualities. It is not always the end result
that is the most important to me, however. The process of working with beads
and thread is meditative and calming, which allows time for reflection.
Engineering each piece is always a challenge that thrills me, as well as
giving me the power to make the decisions that need to be made for each
piece. The more I experience the wonderful qualities of beadwork, the more I
realize my relationship with beads will always be one of learning,
experiencing and sharing.
The decision to teach grew from my personal
desire to share my love of beads and all the wonderful things that can be
created with them. The commitment that I have to teaching stems from my
desire to share the knowledge I have gained while developing my own skills
in this medium. Ultimately, my mission is to help to keep this art form
alive and well."
Cynthia Rutledge |
