Bead Arts

Etched Raku

Artist: Maggie Towne
Business name: Bead Towne
Location: Los Angeles County, California

Websites:
Bead Towne
Etsy Store

Maggie, how do you describe your work?
At the moment my latest art of choice is lampwork bead making using a single fuel hot head torch. I also design and make jewelry, have been doing so since I was a child. Like many other lampworkers, I began buying handmade artisan glass beads to use in my jewelry design. It took a gentle push from a friend saying, “What would it take you to make beads?” to sign up for a beginners class in July 2006. I am somewhat of a perfectionist, which sometimes stalls my creativity, but also defines my style.

A few years ago I was trying to come up with a new name for my business. Family and friends were giving all kinds of help and we had a lot of fun and laughs. Bead Towne became a play on words, using my last name and my love of beads. It is a name that works for both my jewelry making and lampworking.

Things that go bump in the night

What is your creative process like?
As stated, I am something of a perfectionist when it comes to execution, so I usually have an idea in mind when I sit at the torch. I will have glass rods in the colors of the day, frits (tiny shards of glass), and tools at hand. My inspiration may come from a piece of art, my mood, colors I like, books, suggestions from friends, etc. Sometimes I make a sample bead and if I am not sure of it, I’ll put it in my bead bin and maybe get back to it later to make a set, maybe not. Other times I crank out a set of 5 to 10 beads in one sitting.

Chocolate cupcake

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your currentlevel of artistry?
My first lampwork class basically taught me how to light my torch and not much beyond that. I love to read so I bought several books on glass beads. Love research and kept getting hits on a website called WetCanvas, my best resource to date. Beyond that, it’s the PPP motto. Practice, practice, practice.

When starting out I wanted to make every kind of bead possible as quickly as possible. Found I needed to go back and master some techniques before I could go on to others. I have to continually push myself to try new techniques.

Crazy as this sounds I got my Bachelor’s of Art in Art Education just for fun and to challenge myself. Never took a glass class in college, but I feel my art background helps with using color, design, experimentation, and discipline.

Valentine Treats

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Beyond the basics of my torch, glass, and safety equipment, I love using presses, a razor tool, and various other tools with which to poke at the glass. Can’t imagine progressing along without my support system of other lampworkers.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
If I have been away from the torch for awhile, feel uninspired or frustrated, I go back to what I do well. It used to mean making frit beads and now it is making seashells. Who knows what it will be a year from now. Once I get back in the groove, I can expand and get back on track.

Yummy Cocoa

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
The basics of believing in yourself, challenging yourself to try new techniques, and good old practice, practice, practice.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
Teaching sixth grade 180 days a year, friends, and reading take up the majority of my time outside of art. I also like to visit museums, attend concerts and plays, and enjoy nature when I can.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
My love of ice cream also goes back to my childhood. Nothing like a scoop of two to comfort my soul.

Macchiato

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