I introduce you Angelica Susoyenkova (Ukraine/Chernigov- september 2004)
 Angelica lives in a very beautiful ancient town of Chernigov . She is a very cheerful and talented artist – master in the bead work from the capital “M”!
Àngelica, who are you by profession?
I have 2 diplomas: firstly as a librarian specializing in arts (alas, I am unlucky enough to have a book dust allergy) and secondly as an economist (a good profession to give a meaning to life), but I prefer creative work. Most of all I'm attracted by creative work – by creating work of the beads.
Is the bead work popular in your country?
Unfortunately, beadwork in Ukraine is not as widespread as in Russia , although all classical beading literature is written by E. Litvinets from Kiev . Here the only thing that people are aware of is that one can embroider with beads. As soon as you mention beads the majority of people instantly associate them with fashionable knick-knackery. I, and not only I, would really like to see our lovely, sweet (but exhausted by modern worries and lack of money) ladies wearing beaded ornaments, at least on special occasions. I also wish those ornaments were made by our native craftsmen. May be someone would even venture to try this intriguing type of art despite the fact that it isn't as easy, cheap or fast as it might seem from first sight.
Angelica, how did you become attracted to the beads?
I have practiced beading since September 2000. Once my husband Vladimir, a unique and interesting individual, brought home a small bag of good-quality Kharkov-made beads and started stringing them in an attempt to make a necklace. Being a specialist in arts and having seen many beaded masterpieces in the art books I was disturbed so much by this that I learned to work with beads myself.
But you said that bead work is not popular in Ukraine , how did you manage to learn to work with the beads?
I mastered the skill solely by reading related literature and using information found on the Internet, simply because there was no special practical courses on bead working. So, if you wanted it badly enough you could learn just from books.
Almost immediately I started designing complex works. It is in my nature to be attracted to everything unusual and beautiful. I love designing evening dresses and accessories. I have mastered many types of fancywork, but after having tried beading I realized that I had found myself. 
Why are your works so expressive and so unlike the works of the other craftsmen at the bead work? How do you create this miracle?
Prior to the actual making of beautiful evening accessories and ornaments I take my time to work thoroughly through all of the necessary techniques and materials selection. I am very particular about my work and whenever I am not happy with an item I undo it and start all over again.
 I don't like making replicas although some of my bead works excite imagination a lot. At times ideas dawn upon me spontaneously and the process of beading becomes a kind of meditation. What a pleasure it is to look at the finished object! When looking at beautiful beads, perfect just the way they are, one wants to shape them into something wonderful and somehow express one's self in it.
What is the attitude of your husband to your passion to the bead work?
Wonderful! Vladimir is the creator of this web site. He is a software engineer by profession. He is conversant in many computer languages and provides software support. At present he works in the banking field. It seems that he misses these creative moments that are so uncharacteristic of white-collar work. Vladimir helps me out with my beadwork. He makes some of the minor parts. Probably he could do more but doesn't have much time for it.
What can you advise the craftsmen – beginners of the bead work?
I want to wish them more imagination, unlimited freedom for creation! Combine different colors and shades boldly! Use and try to combine all the known to you techniques, which you have mastered, because there are no limitations. If you wish, you can threads, fur, velvet and unit them with the beads. The main idea – is to feel inner harmony. And it is not true that there are few gifted people – each of us is gifted in his or her own way.
Interview by Irina Astratenko - September 2004 |
