"Constellation" Necklace

Glass beads are a significant aspect of the collections at The Corning Museum of Glass. The Museum preserves numerous examples, ranging from ancient pendant beads, made in the shape of a human or animal head, to colorful and diverse early Venetian trade beads collected in West Africa, to modern Czech necklaces. In the 20th century, beads have become a material for sculpture in the hands of artists such as Joyce Scott, Liza Lou, Sherry Markovitz, and David Chatt. Contemporary beadmaking for adornment, rather than sculpture, is practiced around the world by hundreds, if not thousands, of artists. Beading cooperatives help women in impoverished urban and rural situations to support their families. Art supply stores have entire sections devoted to beads and beading. At antique shows, there are archaeological and tribal beads to collect. Studio artists are making their own, unique beads that sell in venues from Etsy and eBay to exclusive galleries. Beads, and specifically glass beads, are an entire world. In this crowded field of craft and commerce, the work of Kristina Logan stands out for its originality, sophistication, and innovation. Logan is an especially talented artist who works with flameworked glass. She makes unique and complex beads in intricate patterns whose sometimes knobby forms recall the remarkable eye beads made in ancient China. Yet Logan’s style is purely contemporary. In addition to the beads that she presents as adornment in necklaces, she incorporates beads into functional objects for the table, such as candlesticks and teapots. “Beads form a historical thread, connecting people and cul¬tures throughout our history,” Logan says. Signed: “Kristina Logan 2011.” For more information, see Beadmaking with Kristina Logan, Master Class Series VII, produced by Amy Schwartz, Corning: The Corning Museum of Glass, 2009.