Mix Color June Artist: H. Batz
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Set contents: 3 glass rods, approx. 30cm each, in the following colors:
Effetre:
G00.591268 Light gray
G00.591264 Light ivory
G00.591210m Avocado
G00.591048 transparent gray
CIM cs511667 Poi violet
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Interview with Heidi Batz
How long have you been making glass beads and how did you get started?
In 2007, a craft store in Chur advertised a class: making your own glass beads. I participated, was hooked, and ordered everything necessary from the instructor that same evening. A week later, I was able to get started, and I’m still enthusiastic today!
What did you find the most difficult to learn?
Something that is always a topic, from the beginning until today, is heat control. Many glasses react to more gas – more oxygen – working cooler – working hotter, etc. I am constantly "learning more" there. Almost everything depends on whether I am working with silvered glass, making stringer decorations, or using particularly delicate glass rods… a never-ending learning process!
Who is your role model?
In the beginning, Corina Tettinger’s book was my glass bible. I still flip through its pages today. I have taken courses with her, as well as with many other artists, and have admired and tried out their techniques. Everyone has helped me along my path. Whether you call them role models or not?
Where do you get your inspiration from?
That varies! I often look at my glass rack, grab some colors, and make something out of them. Of course, I am inspired by other glass artists, surf the internet, exchange ideas with fellow glass bead makers, and look to nature…
The joint "Mutperlen" (courage beads) sessions in Au are also always an inspiration for bead making.
What are your goals?
I would like to continue this great hobby for as long as possible. Working at the torch is like meditation. I have had the privilege of meeting sooooo many great people so far, across borders, and that is so valuable to me that I wouldn’t want to miss it! All the more reason for me to continue supplying the "Mutperlen" project with many beads and thereby maintain these contacts!
What do you take away from this challenge? What did you like about it?
The colors challenged me because I probably would NEVER have combined them like that! (A pity, actually!) So, I first played around to find out what reactions occur. Then it soon became clear that I wanted to combine them with annealed iron wire. That’s how the pendant was created. But of course, I also wanted to design something wearable, and so the two bracelets were created, made with my (current?) favorite bead roller. The subtle, fine colors convinced me. To me, they mean nature, earth, mountains, stones...
I have learned: It doesn't always have to be bright! ????
