The Arawak are the original inhabitants of the Caribbean islands. In 1492, they greeted a lost sailor named Christopher Columbus. Though that event may have given the Arawak a place in history, we have gone on to survive as a contemporary people in today's world.
Claudia incorporates indigenous designs into her art by applying a "Millefiori" technique to polymer clays.
Each bead can take from two to six hours to create, depending upon the intricacies of the design and the amount of colors involved. There is no paint, only different colored clays. Here’s a quick summary of the process in her words:
I create the designs on paper,
I select the colors of clay,
I mix, knead, and blend the clay,
I sculpt, wrap, roll, and cut the clay,
I build the individual design shapes,
I keep the final vision in my mind,
I press together the shapes,
I roll down the canes of clay,
I slice the beads,
I hope for image integrity,
I make the holes,
I bake the clay,
Now, I can create the jewelry.
Close up of bead work below:
Currently, Claudia's work is available only in person (there is no store or shop). You may purchase her designs at one of the man the local Massachusetts Pow Wows she attends.
