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Beadmaking |
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Glass beadmaking, often called lampworking is an art form thousands of years old. Historians think it originated in Ancient Egypt, Persia and Greece.
The Glass Curtain
By the 13th century, Italy had become the world center for glass art. Glassmakers were exiled to the tiny island of Murano for safety reasons, and it became a mysterious haven for the artists. They were sworn to secrecy regarding their craft, and a veil of secrecy fell over the art.
Lampworking
We do know, however, that the artists discovered forcing a thin stream of air through an oil lamp made enough heat to work small bits of glass. The term lampworking was coined.
Within a hundred years, the technique spread across Europe. Even Galileo tried his hand at lampworking.
Early lampworkers blew into a tube to create the stream of air needed to make enough heat. Hyperventilation, however, was a problem.
A hand pump was developed, and later a foot pump bellows system. Eventually, blow torches replaced oil lamps.
In recent years, there has been a rennaisance of lampworking. Glass artists like Elizabeth Drake of Eye Candy Beads, take the art form to new heights.
Beads were used for trade, currency, religious ceremonies and adornment across the globe. |
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