Tatyana Fedorikhina

Tatyana Fedorikhina

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2011 featuring Seed Beads, Glass or Acrylic

Finalist

Tatyana Fedorikhina

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2014 featuring Seed Beads

Grand Prize Gold Medal Winner


Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Indianapolis, Indiana

Describe your artistic style.
In my work, I combine various techniques: seed bead weaving, embroidery, wire, and fiber. I started with micro-macrame and then learned various other beading techniques mostly from books and online resources. My jewelry is an art form akin to sculpture because it is three-dimensional. The work plane evolves under my fingers from the beads, thread, cords, netting, and wire, which are formed into a desired shape. I use silk, nylon, hemp, and cotton thread combined with a variety of semi-precious stones and beads.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I love to travel and always visit a bead store wherever I go. You can read about bead stores in the countries I visited, such as Australia, Portugal, Spain, France, Mexico, and Brazil in my blog (http://meh-crame.blogspot.com/). I draw inspiration from various cultures, nature, and people I meet. It sounds childish, but when I hear compliments from friends about my necklaces, I feel special, and this is probably what drives my desire to create yet another piece. It is similar to creating an alternate reality filled with beauty and perfection.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Semi-precious stones, seed beads and crystals.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I learned macramé in the 80s and enjoy micro-macramé and beading as a hobby. I work with disadvantaged children and see a lot of unhappiness in their lives. My beading is meant to counterbalance the misery and grief in this world.

Who introduced you to beading?
Diane Fitzgerald

Do you have an artistic background?
I am a speech therapist, but I took some art classes for fun.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
Through online store and Bead and Button magazine.

What other hobbies do you have?
Knitting

Do you belong to any beading societies or beading groups?
Indiana Bead Society

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
I work with children who have speech disorders, developmental delays, and neurological conditions, which make their life really difficult. I see a lot of unhappy people in my work day. I can help them improve their condition, but I do not have a magic wand do make it go away. For me, beading is this magic wand that changes an old worn-out bead mat into a magic carpet with beautiful bright colors and intricate designs. Beauty will save the world, I hope.

Sometimes, the ideas come to mind when I am reading an article for work, and I start drawing on the article itself. Then, a few months later, when I return to the article, I discover my drawing and think, "Wow, that's a great idea, I should really make this." It's a great feeling, when I have more ideas than I can possibly implement. I hope this feeling never goes away.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tfedorik
This is my Etsy shop. I also participate in Indianapolis studio showcase: http://www.studioshowcaseart.com/

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I have made jewelry to support the Indianapolis Zoo.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Let your imagination soar.

View all of Tatyana's designs in the Gallery of Designs.