Featured Artist Karin Alisa Houben

Karin Alisa Houben creates bead-woven, sculptural jewelry that draws attention to the diverse splendor and infinite detail of the natural world. See more of her work by visiting her website.

 

 

Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint flowers so they will not die.”

I create beaded butterflies, birds, snakes, fish and other natural wonders so they will not die.

 

 

Using a needle that is thinner than a cat’s whisker, thread, natural gemstones and thousands of tiny glass seed beads, I meticulously hand bead-weave each fin, feather and wing, one bead at a time. Each bead is like an individual pixel. The viewer/ wearer is enticed to take an intimately close look at the pieces, and subsequently at the world around him or her.

 

 

Each piece is also infused with a generous amount of whimsy. I like for the people who wear my jewelry and the people who see it being worn to be reminded of the beauty that surrounds us, the beauty that astounds us, the beauty we share, the beauty we create, the beauty we live in and humour & whimsy, because along with beautiful wonder, joyful laughter is the fairest of all.

 

 

Over the years of doing juried craft shows and selling to galleries and boutiques, it is apparent that the work is also about connection. I see it when people’s eyes light up as they explore the collections and try pieces on. I hear it in the stories that are shared when a certain piece evokes a strong feeling or memory. I feel it in the joyous hugs shared with delighted collectors.

 

 

My Studio/Salon is nestled between Woodstock & Phoenicia in the picturesque Catskill Mountain/Hudson Valley region of New York, where the hills are alive with the sound of music, and all manner of artistic pursuits. It is an area with a rich history as an artist colony dating back to the early 1900’s.

 

 

Here I find inspiration from the picturesque and lively environment and from the countless other souls drawn to this special place to live, play and create.

 

 

By wearing art, it can be shared with the world anytime and anywhere. It can provide a nice surprise – a curious smile and sense of wonder to any person passing by.

 

 

Pieces may be purchased from my website or by personal appointment to view current pieces and works in progress in the Studio/ Salon.

 

Karin Alisa Houben invites you to follow her on Facebook. 

 

 

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