Adobe Sol Designs ~ the BLOG ~

I have the absolute pleasure of featuring one of my favorite artists, Vonna Maslanka. I know from personal experience, as I own many of her pieces, her art comes straight from her heart. Meet this extremely talented lady here in this short interview:

Tell us about yourself and what you do.

I live in a northern suburb of Chicago, with my husband.  I have a daughter and 2 sons. My passion is creating jewelry, a natural ability, and making lampwork beads, by dumb luck and good fortune … The word “Simplicity” is definately not in my vocabulary!

How did your artistic journey begin?

Daddy goes on a trip and brings home my first box of bead drool!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/495437152_b0a86ffca8.jpg

When my eldest son started college at Kansas City Art Institute, I realized there was more to life than baking cookies… I found Art.

Have you had formal training, or are you completely self-taught?

I took one jewelry class about a year and a half ago with Hannah Rosner on her technique for beadwoven bracelets. I have taken several lampworking classes and have worked with some very talented glass artists as well. Other than that I am self taught.

What inspires you?

 
Life inspires me. Each day brings a fresh new breeze and an unknown journey to where my creativity will take me.

Do you have a favorite piece or collection in your jewelry box?

Everything that has been gifted to me over the past few years and a certain necklace that I wear whenever I am in the car (it is my compass and keeps me from getting lost!). I love wearing the work that is made by the loving hands of  friends. Very special! 

What direction do you plan to take your work ?

My determination to push the limits in design has no boundary. I take life as it comes to me straight on.  I am a mother and avid activist of creativity in the arts for the children of our community. In November of this year I was elected as President of  The Bead Society of Greater Chicago. My life shall yet again be different come  January 1, 2010.

 
Where on the world-wide-web can Vonna’s work be found??… 

You have done a wonderful job on this blog ,Rebecca.  I thank you for having me and I wish you good luck and good times for the new year — Rock On I say…

These are just a few of my sites - and I’m always in update mode:

www.justvonna.com
www.jdmachope.com
www.jdmachope.blogspot.com
www.beadporn.com