I create miniature molten glass "paintings" featuring my favourite subjects....animals and nature! Ever since I was a young girl I've been fascinated with wildlife and shiny things...I never thought those two subjects would fuse together (parden the pun) into the best career I could ever have hoped for.
For almost 20 years I have played with fire. Using my torch, I "paint" with small strings of glass and capture my favourite subjects in petite glass portrait beads that are then made into pendants, necklaces and other forms of unique jewelry. This form of art is called "lampwork" and is a craft that goes back thousands of years.
Right now I am focused on North American wildlife with foxes being the main attraction. I love how sweet they can be and they all seem to have such distinctive personalities! I create them in whimsical portraits, posed in the forest, relaxing in the meadow, even going out on the town dressed in their best hats!
Taking an ancient art form and using the same principles and techniques fuelled with modern equipment and technology is a challenge that constantly pushes me forward as an artist. I am always striving to try new techniques in working with glass. Most people think of glass as being transparent and shiny.... I like to manipulate it and then etch my finished pieces so they have the look of porcelain or miniature watercolour paintings.
The possibilities are endless and I am always developing new designs. My glass beads are in collections all over the world and I am thrilled to have avid collectors and jewelry designers who use my beads in their creations. They inspire me and keep me enjoying this unique and amazing career.
I have a new Youtube Channel (KerriKeffeler) featuring videos of how my beads are made and I often have new work available in my Etsy shop.... kerrikeffelerbeads.etsy.com.
More info: Etsy
