Juried into Online Exhibit

Paul Johnson

Polar Bear Cascading Beads

Paul Johnson
Freedom, PA United States

MEDIUM: Sculpture: poplar wood, acrylic paint. Cascade: 27 hand-made 104 moretti glass beads plus additional beads: teal seed beads, mermaid clear, amber, round & tube teal glass beads, turquoise standing bear fetish, and 2 ply waxed linen. I have simplified the polar bear (Ursa Maritimus ) to make a contrast with the cascading beads. By weight, the cascade glass beads are more than 60% of this sculpture. PROCESS: I have produced 27 beads of teal, super clear, & topaz glass with color blocking. I keep in mind repeat patterns as I form the beads on the mandrel. Beside creating the beads, the joy comes from the process of stringing the beads on the waxed linen cords and working out their relationships. Since each bead has a particular size, shape and color, It has a "say" in its position and it effects the other beads. There is dialogue between the bead & the artist and how beads are positioned position in the cascade. The stringing process is a spontaneous adventure . Here is the pleasure of creating,-- for I test positions to see how they make patterns before I knot. The bear provides staging so I can have the joy of making beads and using them to repeat patterns. This using patterns to decorate, is also shown in the painted lines on the jaguar fetish the bear is holding , and the headdress . These additions reflect my study and love of folk art.

Dimensions:16 x 5 x 10 inches