In 1979 a year after relocating from Canberra to Macksville on the mid north coast of New South Wales, I started work in my studio as a production potter. For 22 years I also worked for TAFE as a part time teacher.

Being told "You can't use a pottery kiln for glass" was enough to start me on another research path and so my love affair with glass began. My 17 cu ft electric pottery kiln has worked efficiently on many production runs of glass plates.

While enjoying a glass painting workshop conducted by Deb Cocks in Eumundi I became intrigued with the bead making class next door.

My beadmaking started in 1998 on a Hothead with Cindy Jenkins's first book by my side. Lessons from Peter Minson followed and I was introduced to a minor burner.

Just as I enjoyed the challenge of production pottery, I now enjoy spending several hours each day creating a run of beads. In preparation for the Bead and Gem shows I have for many months gradually worked my way through the range of Moretti and Vetrofond colours, choosing a base colour and developing a series with the addition of a variety of colours.

At times I create pieces of jewellery. It’s important and satisfying to see how my beads work as a finished piece, but my preference is the lampworking. Some of the pieces I create are displayed at the Regional Gallery in Port Macquarie and our local artists' gallery, Valley Community Arts in Nambucca Heads, New South Wales.

Thank you for visiting my new web site. Your comments will be appreciated.

Bev Butler
April 2007