Mix Color May Artist: Gabi Kellenberger
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Set contents: 3 glass rods each, approx. 30cm, in the following colors:
Effetre:
G00.591428 Red
G00.591438 Purple
G00.591404 Lemon Yellow
G00.591020 transp. Green
G00.53L4205oRB Medium Green
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Interview with: Gabi Kellenberger
How long have you been making glass beads, and how did you get into it?
I have been working with various materials in my spare time for quite a while. From paints and paper to jewelry ceramics, I process a great many different materials into everyday objects, gifts, decorations, jewelry, or greeting cards. Creative work is an important way for me to unwind.
In February 2024, I took my first bead-making course at the Neus Shop. The fascination for glass bead making gripped me immediately. It is incredibly great how a beautiful glass bead is created from a glass rod through the flame and the shaping process. The material glass had fascinated me before, but more as a spectator at the Glasi Hergiswil or in Murano, Italy. I had long harbored the desire to work with glass myself. Now I have finally taken the leap and gained a magnificent hobby—or perhaps more of a passion.
What did you find the most difficult to learn?
Shaping spheres and creating patterns with dots works well for me. A major challenge for me is stringer painting. It requires a lot of sensitivity for the flame temperature and the guidance of the stringer. But as with many things in life, the saying goes: practice makes perfect.
Who is your role model?
Honestly, I don't really have any specific role models. However, I love learning from other people. In that sense, all my previous instructors are my role models.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I enjoy browsing through books or the internet to collect ideas. Sometimes I just try something out and let myself be surprised by what comes out. I like to chuckle with my two instructors when I do something that, according to the rules, shouldn't work at all ????. When working in the Neus Shop studio, I am also inspired by the work of others or the beads exhibited by various artists.
What are your goals?
Glass bead making is like a form of yoga for me. It helps me to slow down and find peace. That is why I want to integrate it regularly into my week, take countless more courses, and learn new techniques.
My dream would be to create a creative oasis where I can inspire others to do creative work.
What do you take away from this challenge? What did you like about it?
I immediately liked the color combination with the many different shades of green and red and the bright yellow. I instantly had various fruits and vegetables like strawberries, lemons, and peppers in mind. I was able to implement these ideas well, and it was really fun to dedicate myself to these little fruits. Afterward, however, I struggled to actually make beads. The light yellow resulted in surprisingly little light-dark contrast. Nevertheless, I dared to conduct various experiments and once again gained many new insights and experiences.
