About the Artist
Artist Profile
Using off-loom bead weaving techniques Wendy Seaward composes intricate sculptural works out of glass seed beads and natural materials such as semiprecious stones, pearls, fossils, and found objects. While living in Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer, she was inspired by the dynamic beadwork of the Ndbele, Swazi, Zulu, Xhosa and Basotho cultures. With a degree in horticulture and a passionate interest in sustainable agriculture and the environment, natural forms are lovingly imbued in her work, evident especially in her freeform pieces, which may feature spirals, curls, droplets, openings and other forms found in nature. Wendy has received national acclaim for her highly elaborate beaded masks. They are exotic in appearance, therapeutic gestures of self reflection.
Well known in the Southeast, Wendy has won numerous awards in fine craft shows as well as art exhibits and galleries. Her work is collected by Nashville stylist to the stars, Cheryl Johnson and has appeared on the red carpet of the Country Music Awards, the Ellen Degeneres Show, and during television performances on the Academy of Country Music Awards.. She is in the collections of Tene Jewell, wife of country singer Buddy Jewell, Stevie Nicks, Hilary Scott of Lady Antebellum, and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero.
Publications
Television
Shows and Exhibitions
Well known in the Southeast, Wendy has won numerous awards in fine craft shows as well as art exhibits and galleries. Her work is collected by Nashville stylist to the stars, Cheryl Johnson and has appeared on the red carpet of the Country Music Awards, the Ellen Degeneres Show, and during television performances on the Academy of Country Music Awards.. She is in the collections of Tene Jewell, wife of country singer Buddy Jewell, Stevie Nicks, Hilary Scott of Lady Antebellum, and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero.
Publications
- 500 Beaded Objects, edited by Carol Wilcox Wells
- American Art Collector
- "Beadwork Magazine"
- "Bead and Button Magazine"
- "Lapidary Journal"
- Knoxville News Sentinel, The Oak Ridger
- Nashville Arts Magazine
- Premier Guitar Magazine
Television
- HGTV, "Sew Much More"
- WBIR, "Live at Five"
- WBIR, "Style"
Shows and Exhibitions
- Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, Asheville, NC
- Foothills Craft Guild Fall Show, Knoxville, TN, exhibitor, jury committee
- Piedmont Craftsmen, Winston-Salem, NC
- Tennessee Craft, Nashville Arts Magazine Best in Show Award, Nashville, TN
- 4 Bridges Arts Festival, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Winner Best Jewelry Award
- Rossini Festival, Knoxville, TN
- Baltimore American Craft Council (ACC), Baltimore, MD
- Atlanta American Craft Council Show, Atlanta, GA
- John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival
- Bell Buckle Craft Fair, Headmaster's Choice Award
- Bead Dreams Competition, Milwaukee, WI
- Target Gallery, Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA
- Rendezvous Gallery, Loudon, VA
- Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville, TN
- Oak Ridge Museum of Art, Oak Ridge, TN
- Clarksville Museum of Art, Clarksville, TN
- Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, TN
- Johnson City Arts Council, Johnson City, TN
- Artist of the Month Knoxville Arts Council, Knoxville, TN
- Art Market Open Show, First Place 3D
- Knoxville Arts and Culture Alliance, Emporium Building, Knoxville, TN
- Art Market Gallery, Knoxville, TN, secretary, reception coordinator, jury committee
- Upstairs Gallery, Oak Ridge, TN
- Hanson Gallery, Knoxville, TN
- Plum Gallery Knoxville, TN
- Fountain City Art Center, Juror Fountain City Art Center Open Juried Show
- John C. Campbell gallery of fine craft
- Dogwood Diva Fashion Show, Best of Show Accessory
- Arts in the Airport, Knoxville, Award of Merit
Artist Statement
My edges are uneven, I am not perfect. I embrace the charm of imperfection. In many cultures throughout the world it is considered a sign of humility to leave one element of a work imprecise. Absolute perfection is considered the realm of the creator. In weaving, a straight, even edge is often the focus. I enjoy playing with the accidental.
Some of my pieces revolve around accidents. As a child I watched my grandmother demonstrate intuitive painting to her students. She would close her eyes and scribble all over the canvs and then spend the next several hours coaxing forms and images out of the tangle. Using sculptural techniques of bead weaving, I create freeform shapes and textures out of tangles of beads and threads.
Some of my pieces revolve around accidents. As a child I watched my grandmother demonstrate intuitive painting to her students. She would close her eyes and scribble all over the canvs and then spend the next several hours coaxing forms and images out of the tangle. Using sculptural techniques of bead weaving, I create freeform shapes and textures out of tangles of beads and threads.
Nice Quote from Another Artist
"Your kindness is exceeded by only your perception, which is exceeded by only your beauty." -- Steve Bell, Sculptural Broom Artist