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Mary Key Benson Artist Statement My Crystals on Canvas and Crystal Jewelry are made using mostly vintage Swarovski mint crystals and some other European rhinestones. I’ve worked as an artist in various mediums including watercolor portraits, video and for the past ten years specializing in creating with crystals. I will bejewel anything! I have covered canvases, statues, crosses, vases and, naturally, jewelry with these vintage Swarovski Austrian crystal stones. I don’t do much beading, as there are so many beaders. Rather, for years, I have collected these unique and rare vintage crystal and glass gems whose value appreciates so remarkably over time that my art has intrinsic value as well as creative value, usually involving icons I’m attracted to. When I bejewel a holy object, for example, I get deeply into the meditative aspect of it, and experience a special energy which I think the jewels best portray. Light is never brighter than when it is actually sparkling. Swarovski crystals even twinkle at night, so the “paintings” flicker and dance.These one-of-kind creations, including custom mandalas, are simultaneously vintage items (even if most pieces are mint and uncirculated) and recycled; and Swarovski is a 110 year old family-run green business. I use a non-toxic water-based industrial strength glue and so my art is not as fragile as it may first appear. I’ve exhibited my art in several galleries, and have done dozens of showings over the past 5 years. – Mary Kay Benson |
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