Tracy Behrends is a budding name in the field of jewelry design, yet her designs are tremendously beautiful. She is an independent jewelry artist, who lives in Minneapolis (USA). Personally, I like her designs very much coz of its studding embellishments. Each of her pieces is beautifully integrated with minute beads, which enhances her work all the more. To know more about the artist, well glue yourself in here as we have the honor of having her interview on our channel.
1. What made you plunge into the designing industry? We’d love to hear your story.
Tracy: My interest in design goes back as far as I can remember. However, my personal experience was mainly in graphic design. Since I was a child I have always found bright, colorful, sparkly accessories enchanting. I started dabbling with beading and jewelry design back in 2005 as a hobby and interesting outlet for personal creative expression.
That same year, quite unexpectedly, things quickly blossomed into my business named 3Fine Design. A major catalyst in that decision was being approached by a stranger at a shopping mall who inquired about the bracelet that I was wearing. She wanted to purchase it off my wrist. Her enthusiasm was so contagious that it got me thinking seriously about turning it into a business. Ultimately, it was a combination of my love for design, my desire for an additional creative outlet and the positive feedback that I received from others on my right angle weave designs that made me decide to take the plunge.
2. Tracy, in your webpage, you have mentioned that you like working ‘with tiny seed beads, needles & various beading threads’, any particular reason for that?
Tracy: I would describe myself as a very detail oriented person who loves a good challenge. Working with tiny seed beads, needles and various beading threads offers me the intricacy, challenges and flexibility that I crave as a designer. My fascination with working with more intricate designs is found in the minute details such as having exactly the right thread tension, color combinations and bead count to complete the design as I originally envisioned it. I thoroughly enjoy the problem solving aspects of designing and creating. The flexibility of working with seed beads is found in the gorgeous array of colors and various sizes available on the market that lend themselves to a myriad of design options.
3. Your designs seem to be very minute in nature, on an average, how much time do you allot for each project?
Tracy: In general, for each project in its entirety from start to finish, I allow the designs to dictate the total time dedicated to each piece rather than allotting a specific amount of time. My personal artistic philosophy is that it’s more important to take the time that’s required to create and perfect what I’ve envisioned than it is to produce a large plethora of pieces. Many times I find that the most time consuming projects are the ones that I derive the greatest amount of artistic satisfaction. Therefore, I try not to establish concrete time constraints, boundaries and parameters for my work, but rather flow with the inspiration as it comes and allow the designs to dictate what’s required.
However, on a daily basis, if I’m working on a more intricate hand stitched design project (requiring several hours or days to complete) I try to limit my work time to 2-3 hours each day in order to give my eyes, fingers and wrists an opportunity to rest in between sessions.
4. Your designs are just awesome, from where do you derive your creative inspiration?
Tracy: Thank you so much for your kind compliment.
A great deal of my inspiration comes from a deep appreciation of the beauty and splendor observed in nature. As an avid gardener, I find that spending quality time amongst the vivid colors, textures and designs found among the plants and flowers in my garden is an abundant source of inspiration. I look forward to the quiet time I spend there where I can quiet my soul, muse and reflect.
5. Tracy, is there any motif running in your creation?
Tracy: I’m a believer in the phrase ’simplicity is elegance.’ To say it another way, less is more. I would describe my creations as ‘visually simple’ or ‘uncomplicated.’ I have an affinity for design that is clean, linear, geometric and rhythmic in nature (e.g. Art Deco). My desire is to create pieces that are not only visually tantalizing but also enable the eyes to take in and readily grasp what I’m trying to convey. I try to utilize this same element of simplicity when taking photos of my creations or designing my websites. It’s very important to me to have a uniform presentation of my work, websites and trademark.
6. Amongst your created pieces, which one is your all time favorite?
Tracy: It’s really difficult for me to narrow it down to one favorite piece. I would have to say it’s a tie between my Butterfly Kisses Tapestry Necklace (photo provided in this interview) and my Autumn Beauty 5 row choker that can be viewed in the choker section of my gallery site 3finegallery. Both pieces were hand stitched using a bead weaving technique called embellished right angle weave.
7. Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of your style?
Tracy: I would say that my style consists of a unique and frisky combination of vibrant colors, rhythmic patterns, geometric shapes, texture, dimension, glitz, glamour and elegance. My pieces tend to have a contemporary, modern and chic flare to them that evoke a sense of passion and drama. My ultimate goal is to design pieces that not only tantalize the eyes but also uplift the hearts of those who wear them.
8. May we have the honor of knowing your future plans with respect to your designs? And presently, what are the interesting things that have hooked your attention?
Tracy: It has taken some time for me to discover who I am as an artist and get a real sense for where my passion lies. As a very focused person, this has been an important process for me. My desire has always been to develop my own unique niche. I know that the process of discovery will last a lifetime so it’s necessary for me to take one step at a time and follow my heart at each crossroad.
In addition to setting up my business over the last couple years, I’ve also been soul searching regarding my creations and future plans. At this stage, it has become more and more apparent that I really want to focus my attention on creating unique specialty items that will require many days, weeks and possibly even months to produce. I have ideas that I’m contemplating at the moment that I’m very excited about. However, at this stage, I just need to be patient and take some time to learn a few new techniques over the coming months in order to prepare.
I’m looking forward to experimenting with some new techniques. I have to be careful though because there’s so much out there that I would love to dabble in. However, I need to remain focused. There’s only so much time in a day. I’m the kind of person who would rather develop my own little niche and work hard to excel in that rather than diversify too much. That way I can have my own style without dissipating my creative energy.
In response to what has hooked my attention, I would say the ingenious use of wire as a medium. There are so many creative applications. As of late, I’ve been experimenting and designing some heavy gauge wire wrapped pendants. I find it fascinating to work with. I particularly enjoy using bare copper wire because the color is so beautiful and develops an enchanting antiqued patina as time passes.
9. Any parting words of wisdom, you’d like to give to our readers?
Tracy: It’s never too late to follow the dream you have in your heart. Pursue it with everything you have in you. However, always make sure that you take the time to rest, reflect and enjoy the process. Otherwise, you’ll burn out quickly and it will steal your joy. Life is a gift that goes by all too quickly. Therefore, be sure to live it to the fullest, be thankful for each day and enjoy the journey.
10. Finally, we would like to have your thoughts on the Instablogs News Network and all its related sites. Which one is your favorite?
Tracy: In my opinion, the Instablogs News Network is well designed, organized, user friendly and has a variety of interesting channels and options to choose from that appeal to a large audience. I find it informative and engaging. I would have to say that my favorite is the travel section because I love to travel. I appreciate all the beautiful photos, information and interesting exchange regarding all the wonderful places to visit around the world.
In closing, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to do this interview. It has been a pleasure.
Before signing off, I’d like to thank Tracy for sparing out time for this wonderful interview and wish her luck for all her future endeavors :-)
