SPOTLIGHT ON ... DESIGNER
August 2010
Our featured designer for this month is Sharon Olivia Marchant
"Intricate beadwork telling of life's stories.." My muse comes from nature and encourages me to tell a story with everything I create. My start came from working with antique and vintage jewelry, cameos, and trade and European beads in the early 1980's. I was inspired by the intricate work and would often stare into the depths of an early 20th century bead looking for another universe among the colorful twists and turns. I have been beading for more than 20 wonderful years using inspirations, glimpses of nature's wonders, multiple beading techniques and storylines. 
Of course, during most of this time, I was also heavily devoted to an inspiring professional career related to environment and management endeavors first in the State of Washington, where I was born and raised, and then, since the mid 70's, in Alaska. Our home remains in Valdez, Alaska (with part of our very large family) though since retiring 2 years ago my husband and I have pursued the opportunity to travel (and bead more!) During some of those years, I like many others, strove to balance my right and left brain demands along with family time. Sometimes the scales tip over, as many of us know!
I hold a Master of Science in Environmental Quality Science from the School of Engineering, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska (May 1985), a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St. Martin's University, Lacey, Washington (l971) and have authored numerous publications. In the area of beading, I am primarily self-taught, with much mentoring especially by some expert cultural native teachers and dear friends. They, and my science experience have taught me to use many naturally available materials as well as sharing culturally relevant beading skills during the week long Peksulineq Festival (Tatitlek Cultural Heritage Week in Tatitlek Village, Prince William Sound, Alaska) where I volunteer for a week each May teaching middle school children, relevant projects and related history.
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With retirement comes opportunities, and I have reduced the bead store, expanded locations where my work is available and expanded my bead teaching classes among other active seniors in our travels. I have also been learning new techniques and skills to expand the scope of my art including fused glass art and making pottery beads and animals. I have learned to sculpt my Spirit Face pieces that I finish with intricate bead embroidery and embellishments.
Another goal with additional time available was to enter more beading contests, perhaps become better known in the larger beading circles of the world. In addition to the Soft Flex® contest, where I placed in the top ten, I was honored to win a Bronze Medal Prize as well as a Finalist Certificate in the 2009 Fire Mountain Gems Crystallized Swarovski Elements contest with the following design entries:
I have entered Use the Muse III and IV events and numerous others with the following designs:
These events expand my design opportunities, and are always a challenge.
I am an award winning bead artist and Vintage Jewelry dealer with more than twenty years in business, in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. My art is often available at these galleries:
Valdez Museum, 217 Egan Drive (PO Box 8), Valdez, Alaska 99686.. 907-424-7903 www.valdezmuseum.org
Ilanka Cultural Center Gallery, 110 Nicholoff Way, PO Box 322 Cordova, Alaska 99574 907-424-7903 www.ilankacenter.org
Earth Artisans Gallery, Mixed Media Art Gallery, 325 Sussex Ave. Tenino, Washington 98589 360-264-2787
Half Moon Creek Gallery, Palmer, Alaska 99645 907-746-3393
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