D. Jeka Lambert
Expression of color, shape and form has always intrigued me. It is the process of joining all those tiny pieces of colored glass into a sculpture that can be worn, and when worn, transforms the wearer that I find seductive. My jewelry is a path to the intuitive, there is a meditative quality to stitching each bead into a piece. When I create a piece of jewelry, I begin with a concept, sometimes an idea that I have been playing with mentally for months before the actual construction of the piece begins. The concept is only the point of departure, it gets me started. Once started, I become immersed in a dialogue in which the piece speaks to me on an intuitive level. Beadwork is a form of meditation. It forces me to be quiet while the piece shapes itself. I must maintain awareness as I work, always looking at the work as it transforms, feeding it what it needs and allowing it the freedom to be what it is. Sometimes I start out making one thing and end up with something else. This is like life, we start with an idea only to have the universe show us other possibilities. It is our choice to go with the unknown or to follow our vision. This choice is exciting for me. I have been making beaded jewelry for approximately five years. My passion is seed beads, those tiny beads produced mainly in the Czech Republic and Japan. I find them totally amazing. They come in a wide array of colors and shapes, and they can be used in so many different ways. Making seed bead jewelry indulges my lust for working with color, shape and form. 
Each of my pieces is unique. It is the meditative quality of stitching each bead into place as well as the exploration of the medium that keeps me continually intrigued. Resolving aesthetic and structural issues within a piece is both an analytical and intuitive process. For me, structural considerations are as important as the aesthetics. Making a piece requires total abandonment to the process. I strive to produce museum quality work. I rarely use manufactured closures, and I pay close attention when selecting beads to use only those beads with colors and finishes that will last. The beadwork is carefully reinforced at stress points to make it durable. Closures are intentionally snug to prevent the piece from falling off while being worn. My inspiration comes from re-interpreting traditional and contemporary jewelry I have seen in books, magazines, museums or on the street. Sometimes the inspiration comes from working with a particular technique. I have a great interest in the interaction of color and texture. Lately, I have been exploring freeform beadwork. When I first began beading, I took as many classes as I could. I am deeply indebted to all of my teachers, each has shared with me her own unique vision as well as technical knowledge. Each teacher has given me a piece of the foundation for my current work. I also teach beadwork. As a teacher, my goal is to inspire the student to find their own inherent creativity while giving them the technical skills necessary to make a piece with structural integrity. My beadwork is represented by the Valley Arts Gallery in Walnut Creek, California. In addition to beadwork, I paint in watercolor, make hand colored digital images and sew clothing. My background is in Costume Design for Theatre and Interior Design. In the past, I worked as a Corporate Trainer and Technical Writer, and did Computer Software Development. D. Jeka Lambert | ||
|
Home | Class & Events
Schedule | Frenzy of the Month ©2003 D. Jeka Lambert. All rights reserved. |
