Honest opinion needed re: bead name
Kalera Stratton
sessions at the torch I've ever had. It was one of those "breakthrough"
sessions where things fall into place, and I ended up with a new style
of focal bead that is the most physically and emotionally intensive
piece I have ever made.
Now for the question. During themaking of this bead, I was thinking, as
I often do while working, of my little brother Shaman, who took himself
out of this world while I was pregnant with my first child in 1997. I
would like to name the series after him, and the first thing that came
to my mind was "Suicide Flowers", along with an explanation of the
name... I would like people who buy them to think about the value and
joy of life, as well as the sorrow and waste of suicide, which was so
brought home to me by losing him. Would that be too macabre, and end up
turning people off from purchasing them? Should I go with my first
instinct, or choose something more upbeat, like "Shaman's Flowers"?
Thanks for your input,
-Kalera
Beadbimbo
I like the "Shaman's Flowers" better myself, just because it does sound more
upbeat. I would agree that "suicide flowers" along with the explanation,
might put people off. I dunno though. I'm curious to hear what others have
to say. To me, "Suicide Flowers" might work with something funky or
comical.
I'm sorry about your brother. That's so sad.
--
Jerri
www.beadbimbo.com
To subscribe to the Beadbimbo mailing list, send a blank email to:
beadbimbo...@topica.com
"Kalera Stratton" <kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote in message
news:jqGdnRoGmuQ...@comcast.com...
Tinkster
guess what I would ask myself is this: Which name more reflects MY
reaction to the bead? In other words, it sounds like this was a
visceral experience for you. I wouldn't lessen it by choosing its name
based on the sensibilities of others.
It's *your* art. If people don't like the name you give it, then they
don't have to look at it or buy it.
Egads. I'm a little cranky today, eh? LOL!
Tinkzilla
starlia
I have to agree with Tinkipoo on this one. It's all about your feelings on
these sets. I wouldn't be a bit put off with suicide beads because I've
lost dear ones to that fate myself. I'm so sorry about your loss as well.
Either way, I support you and your art. You are a warm and wonderful person
with many things to share including the joys of life.
Starlia
Pam
has taken himself out of our family so it feels almost the same - except
there is hope he will find his way back still - so not the same... but I do
sympathize... anyway... what about something else - I'm thinking Lost Soul
Flowers maybe... only because of this website I know of:
http://www.lostsoulcompanion.com/book/A1_who.php
It might not fit your brother's situation but maybe it will give you some
ideas of what to call your series - assuming you are still looking for
something to call them.
Can't wait to see them...
--
Pam Brisse
The Blue Between - hand crafted jewelry and bead art
http://www.bluebetween.com
"Kalera Stratton" <kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote in message
news:jqGdnRoGmuQ...@comcast.com...
Christina Peterson
use the name for your own satisfaction, go for it, but it will impact sales
negatively, in my opinion.
I also think it will affix the the notion of suicide in your mind to work so
closely on these beads with those thoughts in mind.
I would suggest you find a similar image with less painful emphasis for your
beads. Funerary Ware, Gifts for Passing, Gifts for Charon, Fluer de Mort,
New Life from Death (ie Spring), For the Journey, Crossing the Bridge.
Beauty from Pain.
I would feel honored to see them.
Tina
"Kalera Stratton" <kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote in message
news:jqGdnRoGmuQ...@comcast.com...
Karleen/Vibrant Jewels
Destiny? Serene Strength? Something that is uplifting and encouraging. We
live in a culture of death and too much morbid imagry surrounds us IMHO.
Sorry about your brother too.
Hugs,
Karleen
--
Vibrant Jewels Online Bead & Jewelry Store
http://www.vibrantjewels.com/jewelry/welcome.htm
Karleen Page/Vibrant Jewels
JustBead Auctions
http://www.justbeads.com/search/ql.cfm?s=21770
PayPal Merchant Account
https://www.paypal.com/mrb/pal=7XJ98L86Z7S2C
"Kalera Stratton" <kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote in message
news:jqGdnRoGmuQ...@comcast.com...
Dr. Sooz
think of him. Name your beads after those qualities, and not the method that
took him from you.
~~
Sooz
-------
"Those in the cheaper seats clap. The rest of you rattle your jewelry." John
Lennon (1940 - 1980) Royal Varieties Performance
~ Dr. Sooz's Bead Links
http://airandearth.netfirms.com/soozlinkslist.html
Diana Curtis
instance.. you are Kalera... you are also known as a lampworker, mother ,...
So, its name, where its power lies, can be Suicide Flower but you can call
it something else on the selling page.
Im not convinced Im making sense except to myself. :-)
Diana
--
Queen of FAQs
Royal Peace Maker
http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44
"Kalera Stratton" <kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote in message
news:jqGdnRoGmuQ...@comcast.com...
Dr. Sooz
>instance.. you are Kalera... you are also known as a lampworker, mother ,...
>So, its name, where its power lies, can be Suicide Flower but you can call
>it something else on the selling page.
>Im not convinced Im making sense except to myself. :-)
>Diana
Fantastic, Diana!
Christina Peterson
something/someone's name is a way of taking away it's power.
Tina
"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-garbage-telecom.net> wrote in message
news:L8yZb.3187$tU6....@reggie.win.bright.net...
AmazeR
> Now for the question. During themaking of this bead, I was thinking, as
> I often do while working, of my little brother Shaman, who took himself
> out of this world while I was pregnant with my first child in 1997. I
> would like to name the series after him, and the first thing that came
> to my mind was "Suicide Flowers", along with an explanation of the
> name... I would like people who buy them to think about the value and
> joy of life, as well as the sorrow and waste of suicide, which was so
> brought home to me by losing him. Would that be too macabre, and end up
> turning people off from purchasing them? Should I go with my first
> instinct, or choose something more upbeat, like "Shaman's Flowers"?
>
> Thanks for your input,
>
> -Kalera
Kalera,
For whatever reasons, it'll certainly polarise people IMHO...
Sometimes, I don't think this is a bad thing.. and I'm a believer in
instincts... Go for it, I say..
Mavis
Diana Curtis
Cook's (his wife posts on rctq) talked about how letting someone know your
true name was giving up your power. It was an analogy for some computer
programming mumbo jumbo but the lesson was clear... Naming things is an
important job.
Diana
the books were Cursed and Consulted and Wiz Biz, nice SF stuff mixed with
computer programing.
--
Queen of FAQs
Royal Peace Maker
http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44
"Christina Peterson" <tinap...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1077328129.716360@prawn...
Debbie B
--
Debbie (New Mexico)
Life is too short
"Kalera Stratton" <kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote in message
news:jqGdnRoGmuQ...@comcast.com...
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Margie
Main Entry: felo-de-se
Pronunciation: "fe-lO-d&-'sA, -'sE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural fe·lo·nes-de-se /f&-"lO-(")nEz-d&-/; or
felos-de-se /"fe-lOz-d&-/
Etymology: Medieval Latin felo de se, fello de se, literally, evildoer
in respect to oneself
1 : one who commits suicide or who dies from the effects of having
committed an unlawful malicious act
2 : an act of deliberate self-destruction : SUICIDE
*hugs*
Margie
On Fri, 20 Feb 2004 14:10:43 -0800, Kalera Stratton
<kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote:
--
Margie
http://www.handcraftedjewelry.com/storecatalog.asp?userid=261
roxan
his life not his death. I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
Roxan
"Dr. Sooz" <diva...@aol.compuppies> wrote in message
news:20040220194437...@mb-m19.aol.com...
Shirley Shone
Shirley
In article <1077318749.482946@prawn>, Christina Peterson
<tinap...@yahoo.com> writes
--
Shirley Shone
lgreene
I have had 2 suicides in my family, and the thought of buying something
labelled with the word suicide would turn me off, sorry. It would remind me
all the time (as if i'm not reminded enough) of the losses, and no matter
how beautiful the beads are (and I'm certain they are) I couldn't buy them
I guess you have to let your heart decide. If you made them for commercial
purposes, then you quite likely might have to find a less controversial
name.
If you had made them to keep or give to a family member, etc., then calling
them Suicide Flowers would be fine.
It is a question that has so many answers.
Good luck with making the decision, and be happy that Shaman is among
beautiful flowers forever.
lg
"Kalera Stratton" <kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote in message
news:jqGdnRoGmuQ...@comcast.com...
Kandice Seeber
that represents and means so much to you. I've read the names suggested
here and like them all. I wish I could help more by thinking of some names
for you. (((((((Kalera))))))) The fact that you created this art that is
so meaningful to you moved me to tears.
--
Kandice Seeber
Air & Earth Designs
http://www.lampwork.net
> > Should I go with my first
> > instinct, or choose something more upbeat, like "Shaman's Flowers"?
>
> "Suicide" is a bad word to a lot of people. I'd probably
> choose something safer. Having said that, however, I can
> understand what this must mean to you, and my advice would
> be to go with your gut. Those who want to "get it," will.
> In the end though, whichever one you go with will be the
> right choice because it'll come from the heart, regardless
> of reason. :)
>
> I'm so sorry about your brother.
>
> --
> Fran
Pam
"Shirley Shone" <shi...@allcrafts.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:AEKXoBEn...@allcrafts.demon.co.uk...
Helen Page
> I like that the best - "Remembering Shaman"
Me too. Maybe you could put in the description that the bead is "in honour
of much-loved brother Shaman, who died in 1997" then put a little something
about valuing life and making the most of each day. Then buyers will be
aware of how special this bead is and remember to appreciate life. Something
like that would make me feel honoured to be the bead's new owner.
Marisa Cappetta
experiencing a tug of war between a business issue and authentic, artistic
expression. What's more important in this instance? Sales, or putting
something out there that makes a passionate statement about you as an
artist?
As for the choice between names, I think it's acceptable to be somewhat
cryptic and still maintain your artistic integrity. 'Shaman's Flowers' is
perhaps more poignant, more personal than 'Suicide Flowers'. The beads
themselves will convey more meaning and evoke an emotional response that
will fill in the gaps for the viewer, if only subconsciously. From a purely
artistic pov, I prefer the former.
From a business pov, I also think 'Shaman's Flowers' will work better.
Take a while to decide, though. You've been through a draining and cathartic
experience in creating the beads themselves. You're asking a lot of yourself
to make these kinds of decisions at this time.
--
Marisa (AU/NZ)
http://www.galleryvittoria.com
"I am NOT a floozy! I am a goddess..I can do what I like!", said Venus.
'The Adventures of Baron von Munchausen'
"Kalera Stratton" <kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote in message
news:jqGdnRoGmuQ...@comcast.com...
Mike Undercofler
what they do, you are
> experiencing a tug of war between a business issue and authentic, artistic
> expression. What's more important in this instance? Sales, or putting
> something out there that makes a passionate statement about you as an
> artist?
>
> As for the choice between names, I think it's acceptable to be somewhat
> cryptic and still maintain your artistic integrity. 'Shaman's Flowers' is
> perhaps more poignant, more personal than 'Suicide Flowers'. The beads
> themselves will convey more meaning and evoke an emotional response that
> will fill in the gaps for the viewer, if only subconsciously. From a
> purely artistic pov, I prefer the former.
>
> From a business pov, I also think 'Shaman's Flowers' will work better.
>
> Take a while to decide, though. You've been through a draining and
> cathartic experience in creating the beads themselves. You're asking a lot
> of yourself to make these kinds of decisions at this time.
>
Sorry, not a reg here, only a viewer over the wifes shoulder, and came over
this while getting my machine squared away. Something to consider on this
same line of thought. Shaman as a group, rather than a name, were the
keepers of wisdom, and the protectors of life, the healers of ancient
tribes. So, from another perspective, a line of any type of artistic work
named Shaman would reflect a desire to live, and learn. It also in this
particular frame would give a more meaningful twist to the line.
Sorry to but in. My eldest sister chose to direct her life in a similar
manner, but by different means. My deepest condolances go out to you.
Mike Undercofler
min baro
mar...@takethisout.galleryvittoria.com says...
> Like so many artists trying to make a living from what they do, you are
> experiencing a tug of war between a business issue and authentic, artistic
> expression. What's more important in this instance? Sales, or putting
> something out there that makes a passionate statement about you as an
> artist?
A lot of artists (jewelry artists and metalsmiths, especially) take the
middle path if they want to make a living out of their art by having two
lines of work, similar to haute couture and prete a porte (sorry don't
know how to get the french accents over the letters), in the fashion
world. One could make haute couture beads- the ones where you put all
your emotional effort into, that you either keep or sell for large
amounts of money (that most people wouldn't be able to afford) as your
private collection. And then one could have another set that are easier
to manufacture in multiple amounts- that may be more appreciated by the
"general public", so to speak, and with which you may be able to make a
living out of. I think that this is a good compromise.
> From a business pov, I also think 'Shaman's Flowers' will work better.
I agree.
> Take a while to decide, though. You've been through a draining and cathartic
> experience in creating the beads themselves. You're asking a lot of yourself
> to make these kinds of decisions at this time.
Remember to have fun too. Being a tortured artist shouldn't be a full
time job :).
--
-Min
min baro
SPAMS...@hotmail.com says...
> Sorry, not a reg here, only a viewer over the wifes shoulder, and came over
> this while getting my machine squared away. Something to consider on this
> same line of thought. Shaman as a group, rather than a name, were the
> keepers of wisdom, and the protectors of life, the healers of ancient
> tribes. So, from another perspective, a line of any type of artistic work
> named Shaman would reflect a desire to live, and learn. It also in this
> particular frame would give a more meaningful twist to the line.
My grandfdather was a shaman. I made a piece in his honour (sorry, not
beading) that I called shaman's sling with pecans
(http://treedweller.net/jewelry/shaman01.jpg). I don't know what he would
have thought of it.
--
-Min
Diana Curtis
Diana
--
Queen of FAQs
Royal Peace Maker
http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44
"min baro" <suga...@emailgroups.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.1aa69d744...@News.Individual.NET...
Debbie B
--
Debbie (New Mexico)
Life is too short
"min baro" <suga...@emailgroups.net> wrote in message
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Christina Peterson
between worlds. A Shamanic worldview is one that rejects
compartmentalization. A Shamanic journey................... No, too
complex to get into here. I have a little experience. My husband has quite
a bit.
Tina
"Mike Undercofler" <peryn_mistwea...@hotmail.com> wrote in ...
>
> ................. Something to consider on this
Christina Peterson
heard of one being a plant, so the nuts are an interesting choice. But as
close as you feel to plants.... who knows.
It's a very evocative piece.
Tina
"min baro" <suga...@emailgroups.net> wrote ...
Marisa Cappetta
textile work are examples of this. The more commercially oriented work in
turn balances this by giving me some light relief from the intensity of
producing the other stuff. --
http://www.galleryvittoria.com
"I am NOT a floozy! I am a goddess..I can do what I like!", said Venus.
'The Adventures of Baron von Munchausen'
> A lot of artists (jewelry artists and metalsmiths, especially) take the
min baro
> Any idea what his Spirit Guide was? They are usually animals. I've never
> heard of one being a plant, so the nuts are an interesting choice. But as
> close as you feel to plants.... who knows.
We're from a northeast *Indian* tribe :)- not Native American, so to
speak. We're technically Hindus but it's Hinduism imbedded with older
animistic beliefs. I don't believe he has a spirit guide, but then again,
I didn't know him that well either. He was more of a herbalist shaman and
didn't do much chanting or dancing.
As for the pecans themselves, they don't carry much significance. A huge
bagful of them were given to me by a woman in Lousiana who had some trees
growing in her backyard. Since I'm not a very big of pecans (I prefer
walnuts to eat), but they looked neat, I thought they'd work better as
containers, so I'd scooped out the brain and made tops for them. And then
came the question of *what* to do with all these little containers I'd
made- so I used some for the Shaman's Sling as more of a humourous piece
where a shaman could carry all his/her potions in little bottles. The
grandfather connection was really an afterthought, and it was one of
those "Oh, that makes sense!" moments.
Sorry, not very deep, I know.
> It's a very evocative piece.
Thanks anyway :).
--
-Min
min baro
garbage-telecom.net says...
> What a lovely tribute.
> Diana
Thanks :).
--
-Min
min baro
mar...@takethisout.galleryvittoria.com says...
> This is exactly what I do, min. My drawings and poetry and some of my
> textile work are examples of this. The more commercially oriented work in
> turn balances this by giving me some light relief from the intensity of
> producing the other stuff. --
I usually have the main piece and the "left overs" pieces. The main piece
would be something like my shaman sling- which consists of several pecan
containters, and is quite unaffordable (and which I'm unwilling to sell),
and then I have individual pecan pendants, which are inexpensive. I did
this with several of my pieces, so that I could be comercial without
sacrificing my er... artistic agenda (good god, that sounds pompous).
--
-Min
Kalera Stratton
just now found it again. As I've let things settle and clarify in my
mind, I've decided to go with "Shaman's Flowers"... it's my gift to his
memory.
-Kalera
Kalera Stratton
your sister... when people make those choices, I really think they can't
know the mess and pain they leave behind. If they did, they could never
leave us like that.
Shaman's name is very meaningful... sometimes I think it was too big a
name for him to bear. Other times I think that he was named too aptly,
and that he had a gift he couldn't carry in the world the way it is today.
-Kalera
Kalera Stratton
until now, and I must say, I love it.
-Kalera
Kalera Stratton
father which only he, I, and certain elders know, and then I have my
legal name, which everybody knows me by. My grandmother told my father
and my father told me, everything has a real name, and if you know it,
you'll know its secrets. My grandmother was an herbalist, and she said
that if you listen to the plants they'll tell you what kind of medicine
they are. I have a little of her talent, but it won't be a practice I
really take on until after menopause.
-Kalera
Diana Curtis wrote:
> Things often have a name, and then we call it something else. .. for
> instance.. you are Kalera... you are also known as a lampworker, mother ,...
> So, its name, where its power lies, can be Suicide Flower but you can call
> it something else on the selling page.
> Im not convinced Im making sense except to myself. :-)
> Diana
>
> --
> Queen of FAQs
> Royal Peace Maker
> http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44
Kalera Stratton
for many people, ie "The Marketplace".
-Kalera
Christina Peterson wrote:
> And you know, in another vein, including Shamanism, giving up
> something/someone's name is a way of taking away it's power.
>
> Tina
>
>
> "Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-garbage-telecom.net> wrote in message
> news:L8yZb.3187$tU6....@reggie.win.bright.net...
Kalera Stratton
the surface when I'm working. It *is* a bad word to most people... I'm
not sure I could counteract that.
-Kalera
Deepwood Art wrote:
> In article <jqGdnRoGmuQ...@comcast.com>,
> kal...@strattonhome.org says...
>
>
>>Should I go with my first
>>instinct, or choose something more upbeat, like "Shaman's Flowers"?
>
>
Kalera Stratton
let the explanation of the name carry the meaning. I have posted them to
my website, though I'm, come right down to it, ambivalent about selling
them now. Here's a link: http://beadwife.com/detail.tpl?ItemID=453
-Kalera
Kalera Stratton
suppose in that sense it fits.
-Kalera
Margie wrote:
> Merriam-Webster suggests:
> Main Entry: felo-de-se
> Pronunciation: "fe-lO-d&-'sA, -'sE
> Function: noun
> Inflected Form(s): plural fe·lo·nes-de-se /f&-"lO-(")nEz-d&-/; or
> felos-de-se /"fe-lOz-d&-/
> Etymology: Medieval Latin felo de se, fello de se, literally, evildoer
> in respect to oneself
> 1 : one who commits suicide or who dies from the effects of having
> committed an unlawful malicious act
> 2 : an act of deliberate self-destruction : SUICIDE
>
> *hugs*
> Margie
>
>
> On Fri, 20 Feb 2004 14:10:43 -0800, Kalera Stratton
> <kal...@strattonhome.org> wrote:
>
>
>>Okay, I just got done with one of the most productive and draining
>>sessions at the torch I've ever had. It was one of those "breakthrough"
>>sessions where things fall into place, and I ended up with a new style
>>of focal bead that is the most physically and emotionally intensive
>>piece I have ever made.
>>
>>Now for the question. During themaking of this bead, I was thinking, as
>>I often do while working, of my little brother Shaman, who took himself
>>out of this world while I was pregnant with my first child in 1997. I
>>would like to name the series after him, and the first thing that came
>>to my mind was "Suicide Flowers", along with an explanation of the
>>name... I would like people who buy them to think about the value and
>>joy of life, as well as the sorrow and waste of suicide, which was so
>>brought home to me by losing him. Would that be too macabre, and end up
>>turning people off from purchasing them? Should I go with my first
>>instinct, or choose something more upbeat, like "Shaman's Flowers"?
>>
>>Thanks for your input,
>>
>>-Kalera
>
>
> --
> Margie
> http://www.handcraftedjewelry.com/storecatalog.asp?userid=261
>
>
>
>
>
>
Kalera Stratton
Roxan! Thank you.
I think one of the reasons the name is so compelling to me is that I
battled with suicide myself for many years. And then he did it. I cannot
say that I never had a suicidal thought or feeling after that, nor that
I was never self-destructive... but his death put me on the path to
recovery. The birth of my daughter a few months later was also a major
factor, but it was Shaman's departure that shocked me into looking at
what "never again" really means, and the massive aftershocks of pain
that shook my family and *everyone* who knew him absolutely cured me of
any self-indulgent, self-pitying bullshit notion that I wouldn't truly
be missed. Shaman felt alone, but he was deeply and widely loved.
How can I explain? I don't feel like I'm doing a very good job. His
suicide is part of his life. Not one single moment of his life was
meaningless. We are always marked by remembering how he left us. It is
what's on the *other side* of that scar that we are shocked into looking
at in a new, clearer light.
Anyway, I am mangling meaning beyond recognition!
-Kalera
roxan wrote:
> I agree with this statement, the best honoring of your brother comes from
> his life not his death. I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
> Roxan
> "Dr. Sooz" <diva...@aol.compuppies> wrote in message
> news:20040220194437...@mb-m19.aol.com...
>
>>Try this -- meditate on the things that you value about your brother when
>
> you
>
>>think of him. Name your beads after those qualities, and not the method
>
> that
>
>>took him from you.
>>~~
>>Sooz
>>-------
>>"Those in the cheaper seats clap. The rest of you rattle your jewelry."
>
> John
>
>>Lennon (1940 - 1980) Royal Varieties Performance
>>~ Dr. Sooz's Bead Links
>>http://airandearth.netfirms.com/soozlinkslist.html
>
>
min baro
says...
Actually, now that I've seen the pieces and know some of the background-
which I think are very evocative, (missed the first few posts so I didn't
know the reference)- Suicide Flowers seem more appropriate, though the
question would be, who is the peice about? You or Shaman? If you call it
Suicide Flowers, than it would be your story- about how you "blossomed"
out of that suituation, suicide- which is kind of uplifting. Shaman's
Flowers would probably be confusing to someone who would know that Shaman
was your brother and the story behind him. It's a more general "state of
the universe" kind of an image, which can also be appropriate because of
the swirls underneath the flowers.
Sorry, that comes from years of art school theory being pounded into me.
Ofcourse, you've already decided so it doesn't matter anyway :).
--
-Min
min baro
says...
> Min, that is exquisitely beautiful! I had not seen any of your work
> until now, and I must say, I love it.
>
> -Kalera
Thanks! :) I don't really like to plug my stuff here because I don't do
all that much beading- I just like discussing stuff like aesthetics and
technique in general.
--
-Min
min baro
Streambed in the Shire
Aqua Granite
Algae
Marine Pools
-are simply gorgeous, Kalera! I'd really like to see the designs on a
large flat surface (bracelet maybe?).
--
-Min
min baro
says...
> vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from min baro
> <suga...@emailgroups.net> :
>
> ]I don't really like to plug my stuff here because I don't do
> ]all that much beading
>
> but - you need to.
> there are so many bead addicts here that just need to BUY beads!
:) There are indeed a load of pretty amazing lampwork beads here of which
I'm envious, but wouldn't buy because 1) I don't wear jewelry... 2)
can't really afford right now. I'm a magpie though, and I like collecting
pretty little things, but I'm trying to not be a packrat. argh.
--
-Min