Brenda Austin

www.brendasbeads.com

brendasbeads@sbcglobal.net

Artist's Bio

Born in Michigan, Brenda attended primary and secondary schools in Grand Rapids. There she studied art in high school and on into college where she attended Kendall College of Art and Design. Due to the expenses of a private art school, she transferred over to the local community college. As she continued her studies in art, her employment opportunities brought her to nursing. Brenda switched majors and became a Registered Nurse. She put her art on the backburner and forgot about it. After several years in nursing, the creative itch returned. On the encouragement of her mother to take a flameworking class, the artist was again released.

Brenda has been making beads part time since January 2003. She sells her beads in finished jewelry pieces at local art shows during the summer and fall.

Brenda uses torches, tools and several types of glass including Moretti, Bullseye, Lausha, Czech, Dichroic and Borosilicate to create her work. Brenda has reinvested most of her income into purchasing equipment and creating her own studio. Her art education gives her much to draw from, but feels most of what inspires her work flows freely from her soul.

Making their home in Hudsonville, Michigan, Brenda and her husband, Doug, are raising two children: son Kevin age 4 and daughter Taylor who just turned two.

Artist's Statement

ìWe are all born with God given talents, it would be selfish not to share them with the world around us. I feel blessed to share my talents and hope it brings joy to those who wear my jewelry.î