Ornament Digital Volume 40.2

In our most recent issue, David Updike describes how self-taught craftsperson Wendy Stevens uses industrial materials and initially a minimum of tools to make her metal purses. After a fire destroyed her studio, she forged ahead by adopting new methods and materials: CAD design and photo-etched stainless steel for her award-winning new work.

Robert Liu and Tom Holland examine the unique ancient mosaic glass beads excavated in Nubia some one hundred years ago. Assisted by Sage Holland, they try to determine if these are imports or locally altered glass art, regarded as luxury items.

Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell engages eminent fashion historian Aileen Ribeiro in a discussion of how she approaches and researches fashion and art history in her new book, Clothing Art, which covers dress between 1600 and 1914.

Patrick R. Benesh-Liu explores the meaning behind Genevieve Yang’s jewelry, revealing how her history and present inform her work. As a craftsperson whose goal is to imbue each piece of jewelry with a story, Yang explains how her work has evolved, what inspires her and how her family has been integral to her passion.

And wrapping up the issue, Cheri Falkenstien-Doyle, Wheelwright Museum curator, highlights Native American beadwork as a fundamental medium of artistic, cultural and personal expression. In addition, the author goes behind the scenes to show how museums prepare their material for display.