Powell-Raymond Designs - About the Artist

After earning a BFA in Interior Design in 1992, I was drawn to
antique art glass, and what started as a hobby buying and selling
decorative glass developed into an antiques business for 10 years.
I realized, however, that I missed the design process.

One day, I 'discovered' tiny glass beads on a trip to bead shop with
a friend. The seemingly endless variety of colors and finishes
reminded me of the best art glass, and I knew immediately that this
would become my preferred art medium.

The myriad colors of beads and how they reflect and
transmit light are my greatest inspiration — sometimes they
make a bold statement, other times they take on a subtle
elegance. Like the painter's pointillist technique, the
individual dots of color are insignificant alone, but take on
visual power when stitched together. The needle and thread
used in the craft of bead weaving sometime ask to be
paired with fibers and fabric, and I'm happy to indulge them
for a mixed media result.

Always adventurous with a needle and thread, I taught myself several beadweaving
techniques. I started designing beaded jewelry and exhibiting at Illinois art fairs.
Subsequent classes and workshops inspired me even further, as much by the
magnificent work of fellow students as by the talented instructors. When presented
with any learning opportunity, I always come with the attitude, "what can I bring to this
technique to make it uniquely my own?".

With so many exciting ideas to explore, I won't replicate
any one design exactly. By using unusual gemstones and
incorporating other glass artists' lamp-worked focal beads
in my jewelry, I create a one-of-a-kind design which mirrors
the uniqueness of each woman who wears it.

As I learn to listen to my artistic voice, I find myself drawn to
a larger 'canvas'. I'm currently working on sculptural and
embroidered pieces. Expect to find fresh combinations of
colors, materials, and forms in all my designs... Enjoy!

Diane Powell Raymond