Interview with Lydia Muell by Adam P. Kennedy
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in the Roanoke Valley of VA.
Where are you living now?
In the nineties, I moved to Lexington, NC where I still reside today.
When did you start doing jewelry?
In 2004. . .I had been making beads for a few months and since I was a new lamwporker they were basically coming out of my ears. I didn't know what to do with them, so I started making simple jewelry pieces with them.
Was there someone or something that inspired you to create?
No, not really. I was born with the need to create. I have never had to do much searching for inspiration, somehow it seems to almost be seeking ME, rather than me seeking it.
Did it come naturally?
The designing did come very naturally, but the learning process that is involved in creating quality jewelry was a bit of a struggle.
Did you take a lot of classes?
I have never taken classes in lampworking or jewelry design.
What are your inspirations for your pieces?
This is a very difficult question because there are SO many moments, people, places and eras in time that inspire my work. The first step is creating the lampwork bead that will be the focal of the piece. The design actually comesto life as it's being created without much planning or fore thought of what the piece will look like when it's done. Basically, the entire piece is improvised.
How do you come up with your intricate designs for the lampworked beads?
When I am thinking of new beads to make, I try to remember the most beautiful and feminine things that I've seen in my lifetime.
How long have you been creating and designing jewelry?
For three years or so, but my focus on jewelry has grown a great deal this past year.
What other medium do you work in/ and incorporate into your jewelry?
Silver clay (PMC).
How long typically does it take for you to create one of your pieces?
Complex pieces take a minimum of two days.
Do you have a favorite theme you like to incorporate into your jewelry?
Right now I am heavily focused on floral scenes that feature the rose, which to me is an icon of the ultra feminine woman. This may have something to do with my gifted artistic maternal grandmother. She made ceramics during World War II that featured surface appliqués, all of which were sculpted by hand. She was most praised by her friends and neighbors for the pieces that showcased her sculpted pink roses as adornments for cups and pitcher sets.
How do you balance the business end of jewelry with the creative?
I don't. My scale is very much tilted to the creative side. The business side gets cleaned up later.
Who are your favorite jewelers, either current or deceased?
Tiffany, Inc.
What advice would you give to young artists?
Selfishly make time for your artistic expressions. I didn't pursue artistic endeavors during my youth. I had to help support my family. My need to create was shelved for many years as a result due to higher priorities. If you can help it, try not to do that. Sure, your responsibilities must come first, but keep finding time each day or each week to connect with your creative side. Learn as much as you can about the fundamentals, and history
of art, design and style.
Do you think that today’s preteens, teens are exposed enough to the world of art?
Absolutely not. I think it is a terrible shame that visual and performing arts have found their way OUT of today's grammar schools. Middle schools and high schools seem to be following suit. This is a very "touchy" subject for me. I recall sitting through the end of the year awards ceremony in my daughter's middle school and just shaking my head. Not ONE single award was given for artistic excellence, and I found it to be a terribly disheartening moment for our youth.
Finally, is there any topic that you would like to comment on?
Not that I can think of.
Thanks!