ARTIST STATEMENT
I started weaving these “Little Gems” in order to celebrate the beads themselves. They are an exploration of color, texture, and pattern in non-representational form. Through this intricate and deliberate process, I aim to evoke emotions and sensations in the viewer, allowing them to connect with the art on a purely visceral level. These weavings are a celebration of the beauty that can be found in simplicity and repetition, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the intricate details and immerse themselves in the colors and forms. In a world filled with noise and complexity, my work serves as a reminder of the power of simplicity and the beauty that can be found in the smallest of details.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I currently live and work in my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. I grew up in an artistic family, and have been creating art since my childhood. I received my Associate of Arts degree from the Grand Rapids Community College and my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan. I began my obsession with seed beads while studying at the University of Michigan and I utilize this medium to this day. I have taken the beads beyond their traditional role as adornment and put them in the spotlight as a fine art medium. Despite their diminutive size, the seed beads help me embroider or weave bold, powerful statements, as well as subtle dream scapes.
© Colleen O’Rourke