BACKSTREET GALLERY

  Rhiannon Griffiths at Backstreet Gallery

 

            In April, Backstreet Gallery features jewelry designer Rhiannon Griffiths. She adds a new variety to Backstreet’s fine collection of jewelry. A reception in her honor will be held on April 13, 3-5 p.m. at the Backstreet Gallery, 1421 Bay Street, during the Second Saturday Gallery Tour.

            Her jewelry extends beyond beading into the creation of her own beads through a process called lampwork. This is a creative process where the artist uses a torch to form each bead from different colors of glass.  “As I work, I enter a meditative state where I become one with the glass and the flame.  I may go into a beading session with a design in mind, but more often than not, I find the glass tells me what it wants to happen.”

            After the formation of her one-of-a-kind beads, she then designs the finished piece of jewelry. With elegance, beauty and a bit of whimsy, her jewelry will transform an outfit from lovely to stunning.

            Rhiannon started beading with seed beads. “When I see something challenging, I’ll figure out how to do it. ” Once while in Hood River, she saw a lampwork demo by Carolyn Crystal. Bedazzled by the process, she was determined to learn this art. As a birthday present, Rhiannon received the tools, a supply of glass and a space to create. She often chooses a goal word for the year. That year she chose “mastery.” Taking a few workshops and after much practice, she immersed herself in the art and emerged with great skill. At her show, you decide if she achieved her goal of “mastery!”

            “Beauty, creativity and the play between color and light have always been part of who I am.”

As Rhiannon works with glass and flame in the skill of lampwork, she feels a joy and the spirit of becoming one with her bead creation.

            Into her distinctive pieces, she incorporates some crystals, pearls, semiprecious stones, and silk knots along with silver, copper or brass to compliment her one-of-a-kind beads. She has even adhered her beads to vintage keys.

            At her home in Seal Rock, you might find her out of her studio for a breath of fresh air, gardening or absorbing inspiration from her ocean view.

            On April’s Second Saturday reception, 3-5 p.m., Jeff Lovejoy will offer live music with his unique keyboard performance.