BSSDC Programs

October 2008 | Past Speakers

October 2008

Heather Trimlett, Glass and Lampwork Bead Designer

An important part of Heather Trimlett’s day and inspiration is her daily morning walk. “It gets my brain started” she says. And boy, does it work wonders.

The hues and textures of the glass beads she’s been making for the past 16 years are an outstanding reflection of her remarkable talent as a lampwork artist and her vibrant personality.

From her at-home studio at El Cajon, Heather transform everyday images such as beehives, garden views, and yes, even a stack of worn-out auto tires, into outstanding glass beads, unique not only in color contract but also in the delicacy of their texture.

Her work is also very much influenced by polka dots, a pattern she easily identifies in nature or in places as innocuous as a concrete wall.

Speaking to members of the BSSDC during our October meeting, Heather described herself as a diversified artist who spreads her work between bead making, updating her website, shows and teaching. “I’m inspired by students”, she said and described the teaching aspect as one of the most satisfying parts of her job, second to her work in the studio.

Prior to lampworking, Heather fabricated stained glass windows for businesses, but once she took her first bead lesson, there was no turning back.

Currently, one of her favorite patterns to work with is spirals which dominate her latest creations: bicycle-spoke-looking beads over 2" across and a little more than 3/8" thick, bold in color and intricately latticed. The beads look complex, but Heather insists her work “is clean and simple, technically speaking”,

Heather is also known for her brilliant vessels inspired by ancient amphorae and now, besides the spirals, her latest work includes beautiful bright colored buttons. “I say I am on a one-woman campaign to promote more use of glass buttons”, she said.

To learn more about this artist or to find out about her classes, go to Heather’s website: www.heathertrimlett.com.