By MICHELLE HERBISON
A CRAFTY concept combines Clifton Springs bead artist Glenda MacNaughton’s passion for bead-work with a desire to fight social justice and environmental issues.
MacNaughton spends hours painstakingly creating works of artistic jewellery using bead-weaving and lamp-work techniques, basing her Dax Designs Bead Art around charitable themes.
“I tend to build little collections around issues,” she explains.
“I did a series called The Endangered Collection, which was abstract images of the eyes of endangered animals with patterns around them. Ten per cent of sales go to the World Wildlife Fund.
“My Fab Femme beads are inspired by the suffragettes who fought for women’s rights to vote.”
MacNaughton said the intricate art of bead-weaving existed within most cultures, dating back at least 3000 years.
Concentrating her necklace, bracelet and earring designs around particular themes helped provide creative energy while she researched her topics.
“Having a meaning to it is really important for me, otherwise I feel it’d be an indulgence,” she laughed.
MacNaughton will exhibit at a 2014 Drysdale Festival of Glass expo this Sunday, launching a collection of bead-woven works featuring sea stars, with proceeds going to marine sanctuary work.
“I’m also working on a little collection of what I call Pots of Ancient Wisdom – they look like ancient perfume bottles. I’ll be launching those at the festival.”
A song, Ancient Wisdom, written for Geelong women working against violence inspired the title, with 10 per cent of funds to be donated to the town’s Reclaim the Night event.
The glass expo will feature more than 50 local and visiting exhibitors with a diverse array of glass arts and crafts between 10am and 4pm at Christian College, 40 Collins St, Drysdale.
“I’ve been involved with the festival from the start. It’s a good way to start to link with other like-minded creative souls,” MacNaughton reflected.
