Reynolds, Mary
Artist Statement
Mary Reynolds, mother of two boys, has had several close encounters with beading throughout her life but hadn’t gotten the BUG until several years ago.
Who would have known that a Christmas gift of a bead loom at age eight, being employed to sew beads on entertainers’ costumes as a young adult in the 70’s and facilitating activities for kids during long tedious swim meets as a parent in the 90’s could lead up to all this?
From the Kid’s swim meet beading activities Mary developed a thrill for beads and beading. Looking for her niche she tried all types of beads (glass, precious and semi-precious stones, wood, shell and metal) and various techniques from simple strands to multi-strands.
Mary’s interest in freeform peyote stitch art was sparked by another Christmas gift of a How-to book on bead weaving techniques. Mary’s specialty is bracelets and necklaces made with glass seed beads size 8-15, embellished with all manner of glass, metal, pearls and even shell beads. Each is a unique piece of art.
After making a trip to Picket Fence Fabric (the local quilt fabric store) to get some mending thread Mary had an inspired thought: “What if I created miniature quilts with beads?” That led to Mary’s current passion of replicating quilt patterns into miniature representations of traditional and modern quilts using beads. The unique properties of glass beads add brilliant color, texture, sparkle and shine to these traditionally inspirational patterns. When completed Mary mounts the quilts and frames them with museum glass in handmade wood shadow boxes designed for her by Bob Burt. The final work is a museum quality art piece that will be an heirloom to pass on for generations.
In addition, Mary has combined elements from nature with beads to create some interesting beaded sculptures. Her piece “My Backyard – Spring 2006” was selected as a finalist in the 2007 Bead and Button Show. She has several more sculptures in progress but has gotten sidetracked by the quilt BUG.
You will discover something new each time you admire your piece of Elegant Bug art by Mary Reynolds.
About Mary Reynolds
Mary Reynolds is a Southwest Oregon part time artist and full time business owner/insurance agent living in the scenic Illinois River Valley. She developed a thrill for beads and beading over years of hobby craft. Looking for her niche she has tried working with all types of beads and techniques. Her current passions are freeform peyote stitch jewelry and sculpture as well as miniature quilt replicas.
Mary’s life purpose is to help and inspire others. Her dual careers allow her to do both. In her insurance business, Jefferson State Financial Group, LLC in Cave Junction, Oregon, Mary helps her clients navigate a myriad of options to allow for their financial security. She treats each client as a friend with honesty and compassion. Her art offers inspiration and joy to both herself and those that she shares it with.
Mary is a member of the Rotary Club of the Illinois Valley where her volunteer work allows her to help others both locally and world wide. She is a Guiding Lights Mentor, mentoring a middle school student, inspiring him to greater academic and life achievements. Mary plans to one day be a life coach in order to inspire others to a life of creative joy and fulfillment.
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Artist Code: EB
