An Interview with Heidi Kummli

Posted Tue, Sep 27 2011 9:41 AM by maggieroschyk

I’m mixing things up a bit here on Maggie’s Musings. Lately, I have been noticing that a lot of beaders are interested in what’s going on in other beaders’ studios or work tables. I plan on interviewing different seed bead artists and, just for kicks, throw in some polymer and metal artists, just to keep things well rounded.

I always tell my children to "aim high" so I thought I would kick off this series with one of the most amazing seed bead artists around – Heidi Kummli, who was profiled in the October issue of Bead&Button. Read on and delight in the open and giving nature of this artist. Heidi mentions her newest book that she is writing, "The Spirit of Bead Embroidery." It doesn’t take a clairvoyant to predict that this will be a beading best-seller.

Heidi, this is awesome to have you be a part of this. Here goes:

 

1. Jewelry artists are really into their tools. As a seed bead artist, is there a tool, gizmo or gadget that has permanent residency on your bead tray?

I would have to say my hole reamer which is made from a cork with a large embroidery needle stuck in one end. I use it to take out unwanted knots, punch holes in leather or suede, break beads. My other can't-do-without tool is the bead scoop. This saves me so much time after a project when I’m cleaning up.

2. When is your most creative time of the day?

Morning is the best time for me to get work done and, if time allows, be creative. The husband leaves for work, my son is off for school, and I have the day to bead. I love it.

3. Has your work changed or evolved through the years? If so, what has changed?

I hope so! Have you ever looked at something you did years ago and thought "Wow I made that?" Thank goodness I have improved. I feel my work has gotten more 3- dimensional I like looking for challenging components that I can somehow incorporate into a piece. I also want my work to have a healing aspect to it by using natural stones and animals that will bring about harmony.

4. What is your coping strategy for pushing through and finishing larger necklaces or other projects? Do you reward yourself?

If I have a large piece or a large order, a good way to stay in that moment and push through is listening to a good book or inspirational CD. I have listened to so many good books while beading and, yes, I always reward myself with a good walk after a project. Also, just the sense of accomplishment is reward in itself. I enjoy looking at what I made and knowing I brought something beautiful into the world.

5. Lately, I find myself looking at the clean, structural lines of the Art Deco period. What is your latest obsession or fascination? Can you send a picture of something that is currently inspiring you and your work?

I have always been inspired by what life sends my way and recently it was a white hummingbird. I know I know I have done hummingbirds before but this one was special and will be a project for my new book coming out in September 2012. You’ll have to get the book to see and read more about it.

This is just a tease!

　

Maggie Roschyk is an accomplished beadwork and jewelry artist who teaches jewelry making and publishes articles about designing jewelry. She loves teaching aspiring artists and seeing the "aha" moment in their eyes. Her goal is to inspire others to look beyond the empirical moment and strive to create beaded art that reflects their individualism.

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