Spotlight on Mortira Natasha vanPelt

Each month, my online group, Etsy Bead Weavers, hosts a challenge where the entire membership is encouraged to participate.  A theme is chosen by the previous winner and off we go to create a masterpiece in beads.  Today, I'd like to spotlight an artist, whose work did not make it into the challenge but immediately caught my eye.  When I saw Mortira's bracelet, Little Goat Tree, I was immediately struck by it's beauty, it's earthy colors and how well it represented the tale she choose to protray. I could almost envision the silver leaves floating in the wind.  This is Mortira's story behind her bracelet and her art.

My bracelet was inspired by a lesser known Grimm Brothers’ folk tale, “One Eyes, Two Eyes, and Three Eyes”.  I have always been a non-conformist at heart, so the obscure fairy tales were usually my favorite.  This is one I remember reading a lot as a child.

“Little Goat Tree” represents a kind spirit’s last gift to the story’s heroine.  The magical tree with golden fruit and silvery leaves draws the attention of a handsome prince, who takes Two Eyes away from her life of grief and want.  I like this story because it has a truly happy ending.  The evil sisters, One Eye and Three Eyes, are inspired by Two Eyes’ kindness, and in the end are sorry for treating her badly.  In most fairy tales, the good guys live happily ever after, and the bad guys suffer some fate worse than death. 

About the Artist

Throughout my life, there have been only two things that I’ve stuck with: beading and books.  When I discovered audio books, I was able to combine my two favorite hobbies.  Listening to a book while creating with beads is more appealing to me than a tropical vacation or trip to the moon.  I can’t say for sure why I’m drawn to beads, but I can’t ever see myself growing weary of them.

The thing I am most proud of is my decision to abstain from metals.  When I first decided to forgo clasps and other metal components, I worried that it might hinder my ability to design.  I was surprised to discover that it actually fueled my creativity.  Now that I don’t have ready made materials to fall back on, I take bigger risks and try new things with more enthusiasm.

I'd like to leave you with two more creations from Mortira's shop.  On the left is one of Mortira's favorites, her Tide Pool Scarf Necklace.  This delicate netting makes me long for those days when I was closer to the ocean.  On the right is one of my personal favorites from her shop, West Coast Woman.  I have a current fascination with with beadwork utilizing unusual materials.  The carving in this focal point is stunning and Mortira's beadwork enchances it perfectly while also pulling from her Canadian heritage.  

To learn more about Mortira or the EBW Team, please visit the following sites:

Inspirational Beading
Sage's Cupboard
Sage's Cupboard on Facebook
Oh Canada Team
Etsy Beadweavers Team