MESSAGE FROM DESIGNER GAIL BE

In answer to my most frequently asked questions:
"Since you have such a huge inventory, how do you decide what beads to work with?" "Since no one else is creating what you are with beads—Where do your unique and Very big ideas originate from?"

I actually "See" or am "Shown" a necklace or dress before making it. Since I am working in a new Art Genre—Creating complete beaded costumes (using no cloth material) my most obvious method is trial and error. I explain "My Vision" to my Design Team and we work like detectives putting ideas together, seeing what works, often inventing new techniques in order to bring my designs into existence. They are the Ping to my Pong.

Many nights I leave my studio carrying a body form in my arms saying "I can hardly wait to see what Gail’s going to come up with tonight." I do most of my design work from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. It is when I am most creative and also the least disturbed, so I can give full concentration to my work. I am inspired from the beads themselves and to watch each stage of the creating process is exciting. Each costume takes month to complete and I become intimately involved with every one. We, on the Design Team, talk about their individual personalities that evolve as they come into complete manifestation; they become a Live energy to us.
I want to make it clear that I do not draw; I lack any ability in this area both freehand and on a computer. Nor do I (or could I) calculate mathematically or geometrically what my designs are before I make them. I haven’t touched a sewing machine since I failed 7th Grade Home Ec. Also, like many great artists, I have had no real formal training or lessons in Beading or Design "to fall back on."

My lack of educated ability and vocational training allows and reminds me to remain humble. I fully acknowledge that my "Real Talent" is that I allow my Higher/Soul/God Self to flow through me. And as long as I design with Courage, even when I don’t have any idea as to how to make something—I Know—that from start to finish I will be given the Grace to complete it. From a simple bracelet to a masterpiece, I appreciate the beauty as much as everyone else because it is obviously manifested beyond my human ability.

It is a fact that it is not I, Gail, that make my Creations. It is an incredible Spiritually Orchestrated Design that emerges by Grace "through me" it most certainly does Not come "from me".
Although I joke about being the "keeper of the beads" I make no mistake as to the importance I have in this role. My goal is to show the beads in a unique and artistic way to glorify their fullest beauty.
By blending spectacular beads that have been created by so many masterful hands and techniques from around the world with my own contemporary designs, and the dedicated assistance from my Design Team, I feel that we truly create collaborated Art Pieces of unparalleled talent and beauty. I am Blessed.

Gail Be, March 2004