AOTM November 2011 - Jane Hamill

Started by sparrow, October 31, 2011, 06:16:05 AM

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Jane Hamill

How did you get started in glass bead making?

I've had a bead addiction since I was about 15, when I began making simple jewellery.  As I got older, I knew it wasn't enough for me to buy cheap beads, stick them on wire and call it jewellery and so I developed an interest in better quality handmade beads.   The first time I saw a lampwork torch in action must have been sometime in 2005/6, at a bead fair; as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have a go!  Early in 2007, I was browsing the web and idly looked for lampwork lessons.  I couldn't find anywhere local, but stumbled across Manda Muddimer (Mangobeads) in Barnstaple, where I was due to take a holiday in a couple of months' time, so fate had spoken!  Manda is a fab teacher and I think that although I was already very interested in melting glass, her enthusiasm and encouragement helped a lot :)



One of the first beads I made during my starter session with Manda


Where and when did you light the torch for the first time?

I bought my starter kit not long after returning from Devon.  We have a workshop above our garage which has become My Workshop but it needed a good cleanup and the roof had to be repaired before I could use the room without being rained upon.  If I recall correctly,  the first time I was brave enough to light my Hothead was in September 2007.


Have you had any lessons? Where do you get your knowledge from?

Apart from my beginners' session with Manda, I haven't had any lessons.  I've learned a lot from various web fora (mainly Frit Happens of course!) and have bought the odd tutorial here and there.  There's also been the Flame Off, where I've learned a lot from the demonstrations and from chatting with fellow lampworkers.



Are there any bead makers or jewellery designers you admire? What for?

Oh there are so many!  Sorry, I'm sure you get that answer all the time :)  I'm incredibly envious of the precision in the work of Dora Schubert and Lorna Prime and any beads made by Claire Morris.  Manda Muddimer's work is fantastic and I love the BHBs that Rachel Frudd makes. I also adore Emma Mackintosh's dragon pendants and Min Fidler's cats and owls.  I know I've forgotten to list loads of artists here!  For off-mandrel work, I'm particularly in awe of a glass feather made a few months ago by Sabine Little.


Where do you get your inspiration from?

All sorts of things, including more recently, my nephew's toothbrush!  In the past I've found inspiration from peoples' clothing, photographs I've happened upon quite by accident, travel brochures, ornaments... too many to mention!.  I have a few colour wheel and colour scheme Android apps on my phone to which I refer if I find myself in a creative rut.



Have you got a 'signature' style? How would you describe it?

I've been told that I have but I can't see it myself.  The only beads that I feel are different and unique to me are my Rainbow Tie-Dye beads.  It's a technique I've really worked at to get just the right result and I am very pleased with the final result!  I don't believe I've seen any beads like them elsewhere, so I definitely think of them as "mine".


What skill or technique would you like to learn - where would you like to take your art next?

I'd like to try more off-mandrel lampwork.  I've created a few end-of-mandrel pendants but haven't yet taken the leap away from the metal!


Which bead or piece are you most proud of - can you tell us the story behind it?

I think it has to be my Rainbow Tie-Dye beads.  As I've already mentioned, I went through a lot of trial and error, consigned many attempts to the water pot, mixed and remixed glasses until I got just the right combination.  I've used the technique in a few different shapes now and I think the one of which I'm most proud is the Rainbow Tie-Dye hoop as it takes a lot of time and patience to get the effect right whilst keeping the shape even.


Which of your personality traits comes through in your work, do you think?

I hope that my sense of fun comes through in some of them and of course my love of colour in the aforementioned Tie-Dye beads.  I've been told that some of my work is quite delicate which isn't a word usually associated with me ;)



What are you currently working on?

Trying to master silver glass!  I do get some nice reactions but I'm extremely envious when I see some of the wondrous colours and reactions other lampworkers can tease out of some of the Double Helix glass.



Where can we see more of your work?

I have my own website at http://www.janehamill.co.uk/ which is looking somewhat sparse since I moved all sales to my Etsy shop - http://janehamill.etsy.com and I recently began live webcasts from my workshop - http://www.janehamill.co.uk/webcam/ .  I announce new bits and pieces on my Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/janehamillbeadsandjewellery and on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/jane_hamill .  To be honest, I have a presence on the web anywhere that'll have me! :D  All of my updated contact information can be found at http://about.me/janehamill .
Sabine x

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