International Society of Glass Beadmakers Journey Publication

We were excited to photograph glass art jewelry and beads for a number of members of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers, for publication in the new book Journey , including Judy Carlson, Michele Coletti, Kathryn Guler, Sheila Olason, Kristen Frantzen Orr, Diane Sepanski, Toni Tracy, Gail Hapner, and the So Cal Flame Surfers society. The book is a snapshot of the growth and evolution of these amazing glass artists. 

Diane Sepanski

Gail Hapner

Judy Carlson

Kathryn Guler

Kristen Frantzen Orr and Gail Rappa

Michele Coletti

Toni Tracy

Beads by Gail G. Finney

Here is some beautiful new work by glass artist Gail G. Finney of Corona Beads. Gail asked me to photograph her beads for submission to the upcoming Women in Glass issue of The Flow Magazine. What's amazing about Gail's work is the wide range of techniques she incorporates in her designs.

This brooch combines a lampworked glass bead and heart of felted dog hair.

This lampworked glass bead features a "painted" technique using enamel.

These ceramic beads are decorated with an underglaze pencil technique.

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Murrini Cane by Kevin O'Grady

Here is an amazing murrini cane project I photographed for glass artist Kevin O'Grady. His borosilicate glass cane depicts the historic mission, San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, in Carmel, California.

Kevin put together the finished cane from his various original cane components, handmixing the color of each component himself. The completed murrini measures 2.25" across, and Kevin then pulls this cane down to a usable size to create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. He has logged several hundred hours into creating this particular mission cane, and has made it his goal to depict all 21 historic Spanish Missions along the coast of California.

Jewelry by Kristen Frantzen Orr and Gail Rappa

Here is a beautiful glass, metal and stone pendant, a collaboration between Kristen Frantzen Orr (mom!) and Gail Rappa. I photographed this piece for their submission to the Wild Women Artists' annual postcard.

Petroglyph Glass Bracelets by Kevin O'Grady

I recently photographed these new petroglyph bracelets by glass artist Kevin O'Grady. Each bracelet features cutaway windows that reveal intricate petroglyph designs inside the bracelet. I also had the opportunity to photograph one of Kevin's vortex marbles. The image you see here is a composite of 5 separate images, which were necessary to capture the depth of the marble and to minimize the reflections of the studio lights.You can see more of Kevin's work on his website.




All designs are Copyright ©2010, Kevin O'Grady.

Lampworked Glass Jewelry by Anita Farrah

These beautiful, lampworked-glass, lotus pendants were created by artist Anita Farrah. Anita's talents don't stop at glass beadmaking; she is also a life coach and yoga teacher. She describes the process of creating her glass beads as a "moving meditation." Check out more of her amazing work on her website.

Lampworked Glass Beads from the Arizona Society of Glass Beadmakers

I was fortunate enough to be selected to photograph the ASGB's postcard project again this year, along with some other jewelry pieces by these very talented glass artists. Here is just a small selection from the project. The artists, from top to bottom, are: Penny Dickinson, Michele Coletti, Kathryn Guler, Gail Finney, Dolly Ahles, Diane Sepanski, Diane Rogers, Anita Farrah, Kiersten Kern, Diane Sepanski, Penny Dickinson, Michele Coletti, and Gail Finney.

New Work by Artist Margaret Gordon

Margaret Gordon works with a variety of mixed media to create truly unique jewelry. Some of my favorite pieces are her beaded corncobs, which combine colorful "Indian" corn, intricately woven seed beads, and both modern and antique glass. Here are a couple of her latest designs.

Borosilicate Glass Bracelets by Kevin O'Grady

Here are some beautiful borosilicate glass bracelets I recently photographed for artist Kevin O'Grady. Kevin creates each bracelet by hand by working glass rods over a propane and oxygen torch. You can see more of his incredible work here: Kevin O'Grady
All designs are Copyright ©2009, Kevin O'Grady.

Photography for World Flame Off at Fall Best Bead Show, Tucson, AZ

We've finally caught up from our 3 days down in Tucson at the 3rd annual fall Best Bead Show. We were setup on location to photograph artist's work as well as cover the entries for the World Flame Off. We met many wonderful artists here and had a great time! Some images from the World Flame Off are below, as well as several of our favorite pieces. Enjoy!

Artist Bronwen Heilman


Artist Margaret Zinser


Artist Josh Mazet


Artist Michael Turner (photographed under ultraviolet light to show glow glass powder)

Artist Jah Free (photographed under ultraviolet light)

Artist Greg Hoglin


Artist Filip Vogelpohl

Artist Dolly Ahles

Artist Chris Riley

Artist Devin Somerville