Like most little girls, Maggie Meister dressed up in her mother’s jewelry, much of which she still owns. Unlike most little girls, she circled back to wearable ornaments in a circuitous way. Maggie’s father had a particular interest in archeology, visited many sites and would show his daughter photographs. Recalling no special interest in design per se, she imagines it might’ve been through this exposure she was first drawn to ancient jewelry and beading.
With a degree in Communication Arts, Maggie (left) never considered becoming an artisan until, in 1993, she admired beaded earrings a friend was wearing and discovered her friend had created them. Maggie bought books on the craft and began to explore techniques. When her husband’s work took the family to San Diego, she started taking classes. When they moved to Seattle, she spent so much time at a bead store, the owners offered her a job which eventually lead to teaching.
A move to Naples, Italy in 1998 “changed her life forever.” The work evolved from avocation to vocation. Ancient mosaics, frescoes and jewelry from Pompeii and the Vesuvius area inspired Maggie. She studied mosaic work in Ravenna learning age-old traditional methods. The hybrid skills and aesthetics of both mosaic and beadwork are reflected in Maggie’s unique and imposing designs. (Evidence of her knitting abilities is also apparent.) Aria da capo, she circled back.
Maggie Meister’s work has been shown in Milan and Capri. She participates in juried shows around the country and will be in Manhattan at Craft New York, Show and Sale for the benefit of CERF (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund & Artists’ Emergency Resources) April 1, 2, and 3 ; at 7 West 34th Street, directly across from The Empire State Building. Ms. Meister will be at BOOTH k04. For information about Craft New York Show and Sale visit www.craftnewyork.com.
She is currently working on a book as part of the Masters Beadweaving Series by Lark Books to be published in 2011. Maggie’s father lived to see the effect his interest had in shaping her life. One day she hopes to go on an archeological dig. See more of Maggie Meister’s work go to www.maggiemeister.com
Olivia
Inspired by gold leaf crowns worn by ancient Greek and Roman aristocracy (opening photo), Olivia is an embellished ode to nature. Interestingly more organic than symmetrical in design, its ultimate refinement will turn heads without trying.
24 kt. gold-plated glass beads, green glass beads with 24kt. gold gilt, and freshwater pearls.
Castellani Necklace
Inspired by a micromosaic Castellani necklace (Fortunato Pio Castellani -1794-1865) with Egyptian influence, this extraordinary showpiece combines varied pendant-like “petals,” classical colors and an Italianate clasp to create a harmonious and striking ornament.
Scarabs & cylinder beads; gold-plated clasp
Laksmi Pendant
Laksmi is the Hindi goddess of wealth, light, wisdom, fertility, generosity and charm. The intricacy and elegance of this handsome adornment will surely reflect the taste of its proud owner. It speaks delicately but with confidence. Laksmi is 18” long – not a choker.
24 kt. gold-plated glass beads, emeralds, and garnets. The chain is woven with gold-filled wire.
Byzantine Collar
One of the most famous depictions of this kind of “collar” is shown in the Ravenna mosaic of the Empress Theodora (6th Century). Its marriage of mesh to precisely embedded geometric stones and translucent orbs is surely worthy of an empress. The colors are ethereal.
24 kt. gold-plated glass beads, Venetian gold foil beads, amazonite drops, freshwater pearls.
Girandole Earrings
17th Century Girandole Earrings were the first of what we now call “chandelier” earrings, especially popular during an era of upswept coiffures. These graceful, finely proportioned filigree danglers will make any neck look resplendent and majestic.
24 kt. gold-plated beads, freshwater pearls, seed pearls and garnets.
Olbian Treasure Bracelet
The Olbia Treasure Hoard (5th Century Crimea) at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland played muse to this exquisite piece. Rich color illuminates garden-like rows of leaf and bloom. For resplendent wrists.
Hand-carved ruby scarab, amazonite, glass seed beads and 24 kt. Gold-plated seed beads.
