The above pieces were done by Joyce C Scott.  Who was just named 2019 Smithsonian Visionary Artist.   She works in a variety of mediums: quilts, print-maker, installations etc…but I am highlighting her beaded sculptures.   She uses materials such as leather, fabric, glass, found objects and thousands of seed beads.  Her pieces bring to light discussions of race, slavery, heritage, and gender.

The first beads were made about 20,000 years ago with bone and wood.  The first seed beads, small beads made of glass, were made in Mesopotamia 2430-2180 BC.  The seed bead actual starts off as a glass tube that is stretched, then cut and re-fired for smoothness and color.  It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that beads became massed produce and Venice made them a fashion statement.  Venetian glass-makers monopolized the bead industry for about 600 years by keeping their techniques surreptitious. The glass-making methods were so highly protected that a glass-maker could face the death penalty if they shared the secrets.

P.S.  Remember signs with an * it a big week for you.

Aries

Queen of Wands – Queen of Wands advise us to see the purpose of the variety of energies that surge through us in life.  She advises us not to try dominating or controlling them or the people around us.  Her way is that of acceptance not cynicism.

Taurus

Two of Cups – The Two of Cups foretells that love is in the air.  This week your focus should be on intimacy in the relationships you hold dear or creating new ones.  Time for candlelight diners and walks on the beach.  The challenge is knowing your truth and sharing it.
Continue reading Tarotcast for the Week of Feb. 17, 2019 →