CV/Bio
Bobbie Rafferty
I grew up surrounded by creativity. From a family that now includes its third generation of professional musicians, every facet of my life has been steeped in artistic interpretation, creation, and performance, and I was always on the lookout for my perfect outlet for creative expression. Then one day, I encountered beads. These magical bits of glass, gemstone, metal and other materials sang to me in ways I had not imagined before.
So now I create one of a kind jewelry, orchestrated with textures, colors, and patterns, harmoniously arranged in an eclectic medley of techniques.
Predominantly self-taught, I work with semi-precious gemstones, glass seed beads, contemporary and vintage art glass, metals, fiber, and natural materials. Many of my pieces incorporate centuries-old beadweaving techniques - African ndebele and helix stitches, Native American peyote or gourd stitch, netting, embroidery, spiral weaves and others - that weave thousands of tiny seed beads one at a time into complex works, translated to reflect a modern sensibility. I have explored the possibilities of combining traditional fiber knotting and needle weaving into my jewelry as well. I regularly incorporate metalworking with hand formed clasps and other components that I fashion from sterling silver or gold-filled wire. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation, and many are designed as they are created, growing organically from the interrelationships of the materials being used.
For my upcoming shows and exhibitions, see my links page
http://www.beadsongjewelry.com/other_links.php
Visit me on my blog:
Find me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beadsong-Jewelry/166938110028177
Exhibitions & Awards:
Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen: Works by Juried Members
Kentucky Artisans Center at Berea
Berea, KY (March 5 - August 20, 2011)
Kentucky Style: Creative Works from the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen
Gateway Regional Arts Center
Mount Sterling, KY (September 9 - October 30, 2010)
Window on Kentucky: Members of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen
Berea Arts Center
Berea, KY (September 7 - October 30, 2010)
Artful Adornment: Kentucky Jewelry
Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft
Louisville, KY (2007)
Art Patrons' League Choice Award
Azalea Art Festival
Mobile, AL (2001)
Juried Art & Craft Shows:
Art in the Arbor (Louisville, KY)
Art in the Highlands (Louisville, KY)
Art in Speed Park (Sellersburg, IN)
Azalea Arts Fair (Mobile, AL)
Flimp Arts Festival (Montgomery, AL)
Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsment Spring Show (Bowling Green, KY)
Louisville Artisans Guild Showcase (Louisville, KY)
Panoply Arts Festival (Huntsville, AL)
Spring Fling (Spartanburg, SC)
Three Rivers Arts Festival (Covington, LA)
Transylvania Community Arts Council Fine Arts and Crafts Showcase (Brevard, NC)
WinterFair (Louisville, KY)
Galleries that have featured Beadsong Jewelry:
Louisville, KY
Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft Gallery Shop
J. B. Speed Art Museum Shop
S. Bayly Boutique in Louisville, Kentucky;
Brevard, NC
Red Wolf Gallery
The Frame Up
Brevard Music Center Harmony House
Northport, AL
Kentuck Museum Gift Shop
Lexington, Kentucky
Artique
Highlands, NC
Summit One Gallery
Birmingham, AL
John David Cullifer's at the Birmingham Antique Mall
Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg Regional Art Museum Shop
Beadsong Jewelry is a juried member of the Kentucky Guild or Artists and Craftsmen, the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, and the Louisville Artisans Guild.
