Hope & Joy Gems
In Memoriam ... Marna H. Hartjen ... 1958-2004
"Glass speaks to that mystical and spiritual part of my soul." Marna Hartjen
|
|
Hope & Joy Gems |
|
| phone 414-967-9110 | ||
|
In Memoriam ... Marna H. Hartjen ... 1958-2004 "Glass speaks to that mystical and spiritual part of my soul." Marna Hartjen |
||
|
|
I "met" Marna on eBay. When I saw the names she gave her beads, I knew immediately that I liked her. She wondered why I could buy so many beads the first time without knowing her, and I said, "I knew I could trust anyone who named a bead 'Spiritual Soul,'" the first of many beads I "won" from her. We became e-mail pen pals, and I always felt better after reading one of her messages. She was always positive and upbeat. I wish I had had more time to get to know her! |
| Marna
was a true glass artist. Her lenticular beads were my
favorites. She described one of them this way:
"This large lenticular bead is made with lots of layers of transparent art glass and crushed glass (frit). It is accented with shimmering dichroic glass and fine silver. It was shaped with a lentil masher to give it a domed shape. It was acid etched for a matte finish. Two window facets were grinded with a lapidary wheel to expose the layers inside. This is a beautiful and unique focal bead." She further described her work this way: "My lampwork beads and cabochons are shaped by hand using a propane and oxygen torch. I use Italian Moretti, Effetre, Vetrofond, German Lauscha and Bullseye art glass. Flame formed beads are made on 3/32 inch mandrels. My kiln formed beads and cabochons are cut by hand and fused in my Jen-Ken kiln. All my glassware is fully kiln annealed. All my glass pendants, beads and cabs are handcrafted by myself in my studio. I take great pride in my work and specialize in original and unique pieces." |
|
|
She
was taken from us far too soon! While the thought of her glass
artistry ceasing is overwhelmingly sad, the even greater loss was of her
lovely soul.
As a tribute to Marna the person and Marna the artist, I decided to assemble this gallery of her beads, the likes of which I never found elsewhere (on other web sites). This is purely a labor of love in memory of Marna, and additional pictures are most welcome. You can send jpg files to k_crooker@yahoo.com I hope you enjoy revisiting Marna's marvelous work! |
More about MarnaHer Hartjen Designs Web SiteMembership:American Craft Council
|
| Marna Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | hopeandjoygems.com |
