Maracole Bijoux
About The Artist
Mara Colecchia • Ojai, CA
Jewelry • WHOLESALE AVAILABLE • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS
My research as a bead smith is centered on the interpretation of a weaving technique called "cubic right angle", a dimensional stitch used to create sturdy sculptural meshes, based on the repetition of a unit made of 12 seed beads. Working with minuscule seed beads forces a weaver to be attentive, as a small mistake implies undoing the weaving. This technique is methodical and necessitates the creation of a meditative state of mind; When I begin a new project and start to deal with this peculiar quality of weaving, I find that the practice is also the message. The values I uphold in my practice are those of labor through intense artisanal skill, the quality of the work, and the enduring nature of a piece of jewelry.
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Q&A with the ArtistTell us how your work is made.I work with seed beads size 11 and 15, because that size suits my vision. I utilize a fishing line as a thread, and the most expensive materials, to give a sense of quality and luxury to my work. I hand-weave each and every piece that I design and it takes many hours to accomplish a piece of jewelry. I use a lot of precious materials such as 24K gold plated beads of the best quality (such as rare 'Charlotte cut' Czech seed beads), water pearls, and semi precious stones. I love repurposing, so I utilize vintage lucite beads from 1970 that I scout online and at a trade shows, which are limited in number, and that is way all my collections are limited editions. I repurposed used baseballs to create large Avantgarde wearables to make a statement about luxury in modern times, and overall I can stitch and bead whatever material suits me (one of my oldest collection was made with silly straws). Challenge to me is combining up-cycled materials to seed beads, and make it look beautiful. |