Bead Chat Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 60

M Where does the name Suburban Girl Studio's originate from and how were you first introduced to ceramics? I just love your little funny face beads! They're so full of expression! Where do you get your inspiration and ideas from? When I first decided I was going to register my business as an LLC I was tossing around names with a friend of mine who is also in the jewelry industry. Her and I just kept coming up with things and bouncing them off of each other. I’ve grown up in the suburbs so when Suburban Girl Studio popped in my head, she agreed that was the one. It seemed very fitting. Thank you! The funny face line is a result of my weird sense of humor. I’m from north Jersey so I’m full of sarcasm and I think that comes through in those little guys. Aside from that, I’m inspired by nature (especially the ocean), ancient history, Steampunk and random ideas that just pop in my head. Typically, at the end of a bead-making session I’ll take the last bit of clay and just play. I’ll sit there and poke and prod at it with my tools and just see what happens. This bit of free play has lead to some magic and has also lead to some of the ugliest things I’ve ever created. I was actually exposed to ceramics early on as it was part of our public school’s art program. I didn’t take a strong interest to it though until I was at Riker Hill Art Park several years ago taking metalsmithing lessons. There was a really nice ceramic studio in the building next to us. I signed up with a friend and Do you have any favourite tools or mediums after a few rounds of making some potthat you work with? tery I decided I’d just make beads. I haven’t stopped making them since! When it comes to the clay, I stick mostly to creativebeadchat.com