11 x 14” Watercolor on Clayboard

Baskets of trade beads: all thrown together: like a melting pot of cultures: every shape, size and color… making up a beautiful collection of intrigue.

Trade beads have become a passion in my painting. As I look introspectively as to the “why” that I paint beads, I found the question; “What is your currency?”  

Beads are beautiful, gem-like and mystical to the touch.  Trade beads assisted in the westward expansion barter system, and were highly valued as a currency. The “recipe” of how to make them goes back centuries and was passed down as a well-kept secret.  Their material cost is quite inexpensive  in  comparison to the richness and intrigue they hold.  Perhaps cost is not the only criteria to assess worth.    Perhaps one should question the true value of what is important in life, and what motivates a person…

My bead paintings can be seen here on my website, and in my Rapid City, SD gallery, Prairie Edge.