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Artist in the Spotlight…Nancy Zeller
March 20th, 2008
How did you come to the glamorous world of beads? Very incrementally. For reasons I don’t recall, I did some bead loom work in the 70s when my only source of beads and information was Tandy. Using academic studies of Native American bead designs and bargello needlepoint patterns, I made a few hatbands and belts including one gorgeous belt in clear, silver and turquoise that finally migrated to be a wide band down the sleeve of a jacket which I occasionally wear. Then I forgot about beads for several years until a bead show came to town which rekindled my interest. The
bead world had changed enormously. I discovered you could do something besides loomwork although it took me several months to figure out how to do peyote as no teachers were available and not many books. Once I mastered peyote, the rest were easy (or easier). Since then it’s been all glamour, glitter, glitz, and sheer mind-numbing sewing-one-little-bead-to-the-next-little-bead-ripping-it-apart-and-starting-over excitement.
What made you start designing and selling your patterns? After I figured out how to make ANYTHING, I couldn’t find designs that I liked. I had and have a visceral aversion to amulet bags which were very prevalent at that time. So I started figuring out how to make things I liked. I got into making ‘competition’ pieces for the Miyuki Challenges as an alternative to jewelry. From that some interesting jewelry designs developed. After a bit, I had made a few things that people liked so I started making up a few kits, wandered into teaching and things progressed from there.
Do you have one piece that you have done that is your favorite? My long-time favorite is One Red Bead, the first in the ‘Fringe’ Series. The concept and working out of the engineering for it was fabulous fun! And I also sold it which is always a major thrill. Since then I’ve made more pieces on that idea. One of the more current ones is ‘Queen of the Night’, named after a character in a Mozart opera. And, of course, ‘Orange, The OTHER Neutral’ is always a gas. You can see the series on my website. My favorite jewelry piece currently is ‘Dragon’s Treasure Bracelet’. I love the metallics and this really shows them off.
What are you currently working on? I’m currently working on a series of bracelets based on the one basic idea. I like working in a series as one piece inspires ideas for another one. Like all designers, I have several notebooks of more ideas; most of which I’ll probably never find time to do. This year, in particular, I’m just following where my nose leads in terms of beading. In past years I’ve been more goal-oriented; this year I’m just playing — the best thing to do!
To find more of Nancy’s work visit:
www.nzbeads.com
www.bead-patterns.com
Nancy will also be teaching at the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee.
www.beadandbuttonshow.com
