Beading Inspiration Books

[hummingbird3172]

I was wondering if anyone would mind sharing any titles of books that have inspired their lampworking...I have a few:

One is 1000 Glass Beads...this one always seems to help get my creative juices flowing.

I just bought The History of Beads and it looks like it will offer a lot of inspiration as well...

DOes anyone have any others to share? I am especially looking for books with lots of pictures, especially of ancient beads and art. :)

[JanMD]

A few splendid picture books that I love to look at again and again:
- North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment, by Lois Dubin (1999)
- The Splendor of Ethnic Jewelry, by France Borel (1994)
- (this is probably the one you already have, right?) The History of Beads, by Lois Dubin (1987)
- Jewelry Of Our Time: Art, Ornament, and Obsession, by Helen W. Drutt English (1995)
- Findings: The Jewelry of Ramona Solberg, by Vicki Halper (2001)
- Mazorca: Objects Of Common Ceremony, by William Morris (2005)

JanMD

[LavenderCreek]

I would second and third any books by/about William Morris (not the stained glass guy :D ). I absolutely love his work. If you haven't seen his work check out his website for a small taste.
http://www.wmorris.com/index.html

[hummingbird3172]

Jan, thank you! These look like they will be great!!!! :) Yes, The History of Beads by Lois Dubin is the one I just got...it is very interesting.

Teresa, Oh my God his work is truly amazing! I really love ethnic looking art!

I just bought a book about Celtic Art that I think will give me a lot of inspiration...I hope! ;)

[Frostfire]

Go to the Art of Beadmaking (http://artofbeadmaking.com/) website and order a copy of Bead Review 2005. You will find plenty to drool over there.

[hummingbird3172]

Thanks Julia, I will add it to my list! :)

I just got some books at the library about Egyptian Art, Art Nouveau, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Impressionist painting...I especially like looking at artwork that isn't beads because it opens the door to all kinds of new ideas. ;)

[meadowesky]

I would second and third any books by/about William Morris (not the stained glass guy :D ). I absolutely love his work. If you haven't seen his work check out his website for a small taste.
http://www.wmorris.com/index.html

ooohh man my jaw hit the floor. What amazing work. :jawdrop:

[LavenderCreek]

Did you also notice the prices he gets? I about fell out of my chair the first time I say them... :D

[JanMD]

<<<I especially like looking at artwork that isn't beads because it opens the door to all kinds of new ideas.>>> I agree with this 100%. Totally true for me too. I am currently looking very closely at Maya art and hieroglyphics. There is a very nifty rhythm and pattern to them that is almost alien. It is so not Western! Neat stuff.

And I also agree about William Morris' stuff. A big WOW. I can't get a good feel for the scale of his work by looking at the pictures in the book, so I am on the lookout for any shows or galleries that will feature him. I look forward to seeing his work in person someday. If anyone hears of one, let me know.

JanMD

[Phoenix]

Anna-
I have prbably 60 printouts of pictures from this site-
http://www.howardnowes.com/

It's not a book- but it has some great eye candy

[hummingbird3172]

Jessica, that is just so incredibly perfect! I see tons of inspirational possibilities on that site!

Sometimes when I look at pictures of beads by other bead artists I find that it can inspire me even subconciously and I am a big one for wanting to blaze my own trail. I love ancient artifacts so that site is incredible!

Still, I'd like to get the Bead Review...could always use a great "drool-fest"! ;)

William Morris has the right idea with his art...take an inspiration from something, but then totally make it your own...he is awesome!

[LavenderCreek]

Oh Jessica, I love this site, wow!

[Phoenix]

You could both do great things with some of these! I'm loving the different figures there-- and some of the heads just scream for a hollow treatment :-)

[hummingbird3172]

LOL, I was just working on hollow beads the other day...lol. I have only ever made about 5 but thankfully I am getting a little better! ;)

I love the figures and Egyptian amulets especially! It is wonderful to see so many excellent representations in one spot! :)

This site has a few interesting pictures of primitive art:

http://vm.kemsu.ru/en/index.html

Here are some African Masks:

http://www.mama.org/masks/


OK...this site is a GOLDMINE! I found tons of pictures of Venus type statuettes, and all kinds of artifacts...a lot to explore!

http://witcombe.sbc.edu/ARTHLinks.html

Here is another good site: http://www.georgeortiz.com/aasite/index.html