About the Artist - Ann R. Davis
I design and make jewelry using the most interesting hand-made African
beads that I can find – those made in, or historically traded in
Africa.
My jewelry making was inspired by several trips to West Africa where
I developed a passion for the beads and the contemporary African style
of adornment. Like the artists in the best tradition of jazz music, my
approach to designing jewelry is both improvisational and intuitive.
It brings me enormous joy to find unique ways to combine and accent
the color, texture, and shape of these hand made African beads. Working
with a variety of natural materials - including glass, clay, bone, horn,
jade, turquoise, shell, agate, amber, metal and wood—provides the
opportunity for a range of creative flexibility. Each new bead provides
the inspiration for a unique design.
About the Designs
My designs may include vintage beads traded in Africa or those being
made today by West African bead makers. Many of the old beads favored
by the serious collectors, were made in Europe and traded in Africa during
the 1800’s. They were also used as currency for valued goods, including
slaves, gold and ivory.
Beads and bead making are universal and continue as global phenomena.
Like the vintage beads, modern African beads have also gained the attention
of collectors, as well as, jewelry designers, like me, who value the
indigenous bead making techniques still used today and who appreciate
the simple design and art of bead-making.
These hand crafted beads, especially the old ones, may look worn. Many
of the new ones will be “less than perfect” and are not for
those looking for a “clean, perfect bead”. However, I believe
these beads are soulful, spiritual creations and I find a special place
for them in my designs.
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