Using off-loom bead weaving techniques Wendy Seaward composes intricate sculptural works out of glass seed beads and natural materials such as semiprecious stones, pearls, fossils, and found objects. While living in Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer, she was inspired by the dynamic beadwork of the Ndbele, Swazi, Zulu, Xhosa and Basotho cultures. With a degree in horticulture and a passionate intereast in sustainable agriculture and the environment, natural forms are lovingly imbued in her work, evident especially in her freeform pieces, which may feature spirals, curls, droplets, openings and other forms found in nature. Wendy has received national acclaim for her highly elaborate beaded masks. They are exotic in appearance, therapeutic gestures of self reflection.
Well known in the Southeast, Wendy has won numerous awards in fine craft shows as well as art exhibits and galleries. Her work is collected by Nashville stylist to the stars, Cheryl Johnson and has appeared on the red carpet of the Country Music Awards. She was credited as designer for a necklace worn by country singer Buddy Jewel's wife, Tene. Stevie Nicks has one of Wendy's bracelets as well as the sister of Bill Frist.
500 Beaded Objects, edited by Carol Wilcox Wells
American Art Collector
"Beadwork Magazine"
"Bead and Button Magazine"
"Lapidary Journal"
Knoxville News Sentinel, The Oak Ridger, various local papers,...
HGTV, "Sew Much More"
WBIR, "Live at Five"
WBIR, "Style"
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, Asheville, NC
Foothills Craft Guild Fall Show, Knoxville, TN
Piedmont Craftsmen, Winston-Salem, NC
Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), Nashville, TN
Rossini Festival, Knoxville, TN
Baltimore American Craft Council (ACC), Baltimore, MD
Bead Dreams Competition, Milwaukee, WI
Target Gallery, Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA
Rendezvous Gallery, Loudon, VA
Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge Museum of Art, Oak Ridge, TN
Clarksville Museum of Art, Clarksville, TN
Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, TN
Johnson City Arts Council, Johnson City, TN
Artist of the Month Knoxville Arts Council, Knoxville, TN
Knoxville Arts and Culture Alliance, Emporium Building, Knoxville, TN
