| Mary "Aunt Molly" Tafoya | |
Mary received her B.A. in Fine Arts and worked as a graphic artist
before joining the graphic arts faculty at a New Mexico community
college in 1988.
"I've had a studio in my home since I was in college, even if it
was just my kitchen table or the living room floor. I worked in
batik for ten years before discovering beads. They are pretty much
opposite forms of expression: batik is big, colorful and
spontaneous, whereas beads are tiny, colorful, and compulsive. I
like them both, but beadwork has been one of the most challenging
art forms I've ever encountered, which is probably why I'm still at
it.
At first I just wanted to make my own earrings. Then I started
taking classes to learn more. Eventually, I had to admit it was
time to put the batik supplies away, because I wasn't using them
any more. Now, about ten years later, I work for at least 30
minutes each day, usually for an hour or two, and longer on
weekends.
It was when I was taking time off work to be at home with my
newborn that I experienced an important epiphany: I realized that
before I died I wanted the world to know how much I love beadwork.
So I set out to achieve certain goals, most of which I've been able
to accomplish. I wanted to build a website (Aunt Molly's Bead
Street), write magazine articles (I am a regular contributor to
Beadwork), and enter juried shows (my Medusa was a finalist in the
Second Miyuki Delica Challenge).
Being on the Internet has helped me grow in leaps and bounds. I get
support and encouragement, not to mention answers to all my
questions. The former guide at this site encouraged me to set up my
own website and to model it after whatever I like to find on the web. That was easy-- I like free stuff! So for over two years I maintained an extensive library of links to free online beadwork projects and patterns, as well as links of interest to bead historians. I have cut back on maintaining my site because of my other beadwork-related activities, but I still post free patterns, projects, and a page of links (due to be updated soon!). I would love it if the people who read this would also visit my gallery."
Margie Deeb, author of Out on a Loom, says this of Mary's work:
"The viewer is advised to look a moment longer and a little closer,
or they may miss the depth of care and thoughtfulness she infuses
into each piece. A unique intrigue surrounds much of her work, as
her inspiration is often culled from cultures outside our
tradition."
Mary has a wonderful, informative website, full of great ideas and patterns. She has also offered us a terrific pattern this week, a beautiful and serene Buddha.
