Artist Statement
Bobbie Van Eck : "I love the way that colors and textures work with and against each other to create unique beads that are each their own work of art...."

Artist Bio
Long before I consciously created art, I was fascinated by the colors and textures in the world around me, and how well they contrasted and highlighted each other. After years of experimenting in college – throwing pots all night, attending drawing class, and studying art history - I found my niche in glass. I did not major in art while at Albion College, nor did I graduate from WMU’s graduate school in art (I studied Educational Leadership). But art followed me, and has become a major focus in my life.

I grew up in Rhode Island near the ocean, and have lived and worked in Albion, Michigan for over 20 years. Stained glass was my first venture in the world of glass. After about 15 years, I followed my urge to melt glass and move into more three-dimensional art forms. Starting with lampwork bead making, I started creating my own 'signature beads' that focused on dichroic glass and animal forms. As I began to create jewelry with my creations, I looked for ways to bring more colors, textures and contrasts into my work. I did this by adding other glass bead making techniques to my work, and using other techniques to change and decorate these beads. Fusing allowed me to combine lots of colors and textures, and to use processes such as etching and enamels to bring more movement and meaning into the beads. I eventually started doing some simple silver work in order to make spirals and other links for my jewelry, and now even fuse high grade cubic zirconias into my beads.
Custom work is always welcome. I enjoy hearing and putting into form other people’s ideas. My unique jewelry is created using sterling silver, 14k gold fill, swarovski crystals, and other occasional items that help me create the look I love in my work.