KIMBERLY JAE NELSON, LAMPWORK BEAD ARTIST
By day, I'm the creative director for Koehler Nelson Studios, a graphic design studio in Virginia Beach, VA. By night (and weekend, and every other waking moment) I'm the mad (in a good way) woman in the backyard Bead Shack with an insatiable appetite for transforming simple glass rods into amazing beads, and from there, one-of-a-kind jewelry.
I've always had an affinity for art, but somewhere along the way realized that a "fine artist" I was not to be. Drawn to graphic design, (graduated Magna cum laude from the University of Maryland Baltimore County) I've pursued that as my career for over 12 years and continue to do so.
But creatively satisfying as graphic design can be, there was a need to create "by hand" — to experience art in a tactile manner rather than by digital means alone. Several years were spent exploring different means of creative expression, including quilting and mixed media. Then in 2002 I took a lampworking (flamework) class from John Winter and the fire and glass bug bit and I haven't recovered.
Like every other lampwork artist will attest, there is magic involved in manipulating glass in front of a flame and coming away with an object of beauty, interest and a multitude of possibilities. It's rewarding, enlightening, inspiring, frustrating, hair-pulling, wallet emptying and a completely satisfying way to CREATE!
On a more personal note, I am the wife to Lee (a most understanding and encouraging husband) and mother to teenager (pray for me) Sam. I am NOT the best housekeeper or cook, but someday aspire to hiring persons who are.