Inspired Beader: Lara Blair

Certain times of year can be incredibly inspiring for beaders and all types of artists. The sounds, smells, colors and emotions that accompany our favorite seasons and holidays translate well when imitated with beads and other materials. In autumn, the rich colored foliage and ancient harvest time traditions are what motivate many of us to create.

At Eternal Autumn, artist Lara Blair uses her love for all things fall to channel the amazing images and feelings of October’s macabre side into amazing jewelry. From vintage, vampire and Victorian inspired pieces, to charming Halloween designs, her work is steeped in autumn elegance.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first discover the art of jewelry design?

Lara: My love of jewelry started early. I played dress-up in my mother's and grandmother's jewelry boxes long before I understood than someone had designed the pieces I was piling round my neck and wrists. The colors and textures intrigued me. I still remember specific pieces to this day. A bright red and black acrylic bead necklace (that my grandmother had set aside as “safe” for play) was a particular favorite and I remember digging through her costume jewelry to find other pieces that coordinated well when I was just 5 or 6 years old.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite source for inspiration?

Lara: Vintage or antique style... from the decadent detail of 16th century pieces to the heavy darkness of Victorian mourning attire… I love it all!

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite color to work with?

Lara: Well I hate to be obvious but BLACK! It’s so versatile and a wear-with-anything staple for almost any style. Also, “Picasso” finished Czech glass beads, which come in a variety of colors but always add a vintage feel to any piece. And as far as metal is concerned, I'm a sucker for dark silver, also known as gunmetal.

Inspirational Beading: If you could master any new technique, what would it be?

Lara: Bead-weaving, peyote, loom work or perhaps even quilling. I dabbled a bit when I was a teenager but became taken with metal work… but I've always had a soft spot for bead-weaving.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Lara: I hope to inspire my fellow artists to continue to grow and to share their work with others, to nurture the creativity within. Its true that one of the best ways to know you're truly alive is to create.

Lara is a busy work at home Mom, jewelry designer, artist and entrepreneur. Her first jewelry designs were made with plastic beads and stretch cord, and have since evolved into intricate pieces, inspired by her love of all things autumn. She’s known for her love of anything pumpkin related, and a penchant for long skirts.
One of her favorite quotes is:

An artist is a creature driven by demons. He doesn't know why they choose him and he's usually too busy to wonder.

- William Faulkner

You can check in and see what’s new with Lara and Eternal Autumn on her MySpace page, and on Facebook.

Copyright 2009 Inspirational Beading, Eternal Autumn