Sue Reece

One of my very earliest memories is of my big sister feeding me tiny turquoise beads from a broken necklace, and me, in my innocence, happily swallowing them. Perhaps that was when a love of beads was first kindled in me! Or maybe it stems from ancestral memories - the earliest beads so far found date from 90,000 - 100,000 years ago, from a cave on the slopes of Mount Carmel, Israel.

A graduate in History and Archaeology, I've always been a 'maker'. Being the daughter of two occupational therapists made that inevitable! In 1983 I won a Regional Craft Award from Buckinghamshire Arts Association for textile designs, and was subsequently a willow basketmaker for a number of years.

Even during the periods I have earned my living in other ways, I've continued to explore different materials and techniques.

I have worked with beads since 2000 - a journey of exploring techniques and resources that continues to offer excitement and challenges - and am a member of the Beadworkers' Guild and Devon Artist Network.

I love knowing that I am using ways of working with beads that were profoundly important in indigenous communities from almost every continent, and that link me with our early human ancestors. A revival in beadwork during the past twenty-five years has meant that there is currently a worldwide community of passionate beadworkers, sharing techniques and ideas, and I am grateful for the inspiration this has provided.

Living and working in the 'Heart of Devon', a beautiful area of deep red earth and winding lanes, I am 'helped' by my four cats and a whippet pup.

Please contact me for more information about any of my work, or if you would like to commission a design in your own choice of colours.

Hons Degree History & Archaeology. Exeter University.

1983 Regional Craft Award from Buckinghamshire Arts Association.

Recent exhibitions include DAN Open Studios Events in 2005 and 2007.