One of the new changes we have instituted over here at the Art Bead Scene is to broaden our horizons when it comes to our art inspirations. You will see later in the year that we will be branching out into some non-traditional art mediums, but for this Art Journey #3 we are going with a contemporary (read: living) artist. Typically, we would stay within the realm of the classic Masters (read: dead) whose work is in the public domain. But at the start of the year, we may remember that we kicked things off for Art Journey #1 with the refreshing and soul-full illustrations of our very own Heather Powers.
About the Art & Artist: Jessie Fritsch
Our artist for Art Journey #3 happens to be a very good friend of mine, and a very accomplished artist in her young career. Her name is Jessie Fritsch, and she creates in the ancient art of encaustic painting. Miss Jessie is a member of the Gallery Q Artists Cooperative with me and I affectionately call her my “little art sister.” I adore her work and I know you will, too! These images from her collection were part of a larger exhibit in the fall of 2018 that was just her work paired with a macro photographer who did huge close-up photos of bees. (By the way, each of these images is no larger than 8 x 8.)
en·caus·tic /inˈkôstik,enˈkôstik/adjective
(especially in painting and ceramics) using pigments mixed with hot wax that are burned in as an inlay.
Yes. Painting with hot beeswax. Fascinating!
Don’t know what encaustic art is? Please take a few minutes to watch this short video interview that was done recently of Miss Jessie and her art. VIDEO
Since our artist for Art Journey #3 is a contemporary, living artist, please keep that in mind. She has given us the permission to use her images (with watermark) for our inspiration for this Art Journey. This means that you cannot use her images directly in your work, and it would be a kind thing to link back to her website when referencing her art:
And if you love what she does and would like to support her, you can get your very own giclée prints and cards of her original images (and even take classes if you want to come visit us up here in Stevens Point, WI!). They are phenomenal even in print and I have taken a class with Miss Jessie and it was so much fun I am going to do it again!
Stay tuned: I will be back on Friday with a Launch Pad post all about BEES!
Our prize for Art Journey #3 will be given away from a random draw of all entries on May 5th with our prize package donated by Terri DelSignore of Artisticaos that will be perfect for use with the Art Journey #4! We hope this will encourage you to play along!
What is the Art Journey Challenge?
Every six weeks we will challenge our readers to create jewelry inspired by the featured artwork or collection of art or theme. You have until the end of the Art Journey period to share your work and then we pick one winner to receive beads and jewelry-making supplies from our sponsors that will work with our NEXT Art Journey to hopefully inspire you to continue joining the challenges. Our only rule? You must use at least one art bead in your piece!
How to Enter the Monthly Jewelry Challenge:
Create something using an art bead that fits within our monthly theme. This challenge is open to jewelry-makers, fiber artists, collage artist, etc. The art bead can be created by you or someone else. The challenge is to inspire those who use art beads and to see all the different ways art beads can be incorporated into your handiwork. An art bead must be used in your piece to qualify for the monthly challenge. Upload your photo to our photo gallery. Include a short description, who created the art beads and a link to your blog or shop, if you have one.
Deadline to enter is Saturday, May 4th.
You may upload as many entries as you like per Art Journey, as long as they follow the guidelines. (Please be patient as they are approved by one of our editors to post in the Gallery).
Click here to submit your entry.
Monthly Challenge Winners
• One prize winner will be selected at random from all pictures posted in our new gallery!
• The winner will be randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries on May 5th.
• Be sure to point out all the art bead artists in your work in the description of the photos when you upload to the new gallery. Links to their website or shop are appreciated. That way we can all find new art beads to love!
What is an Art Bead?
An art bead is a bead, charm, button or finding made by an independent artist. Art beads are the vision and handiwork of an individual artist. You can read more about art beads.
***A bead that is handmade is not necessarily an art bead. Hill Tribe Silver, Kazuri ceramic beads or lampwork beads made in factories are examples of handmade beads that are not considered art beads. Beaded beads, stamped metal pendants or wire-wrapped components are not considered art beads for our challenge.***
Bead Artists
Feel free to share beads that you made inspired by our challenge in our gallery. You can enter multiple photos for each challenge. We love to promote new artists and share what you’ve created!