Thread of Trade

12″ x 36″ Watercolor on Ampersand Claybord

The first bead paintings I did were inspired by glass trade beads hanging vertically at an outdoor rendezvous festival that I visited in Riverton, Wyoming. The rendezvous is held annually at the same site that was first established in 1838.  See their website for more about this very unique experience: www.1838rendezvous.com

The trade beads I saw there have continued to impact my work: the magical glassy quality that was amplified by the sunlight shining through them continues to capture my imagination.  The history of trade contributes in large part to my current paintings, as I look at global trade from a contemporary perspective.