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About Me
The Artist’s Statement
Tamra S. Kriedeman
In the spring of 2004, I began dabbling with jewelry design, being self-trained with a craving to learn. Very simple materials and tools; silver plated jump rings, triangle seed beads, and a pair of pliers began shaping my desire to create jewelry. A short time later, absorbing the information from classes on the introduction to hot glass I began a journey of shaping spheres of molten glass into beautiful lampwork beads and incorporating them into my designs. I have established a profound connection between the tools and materials I use. I have changed my materials and added tools to keep in tune with the skills I am using.
My work is eclectic in styles and materials. I begin with the focal or centerpiece of the design and work outwards, adding glass beads, gemstones, seed beads, natural stringing materials and metals. I combine texture with color to add depth to the design. My approach to color is thoughtful and deliberate. Color plays an important part in how we feel. It can produce excitement, feelings of peacefulness or cheerfulness. These feelings affect how I and my customers experience and react to the designs. Jewelry can make a very intimate connection with the wearer. It can express personalities, mark an event, or speak about the wearer’s life. Jewelry is part of everyday and I want my designs to be worn and enjoyed. I believe that’s what drives artists to create it. My creative spirit and signature style is inspired by life, nature and my immediate surrounds, where I find ideas for colors, texture and embellishments. Designs range from simple earrings to stunning necklaces. Most of my designs are either one-of-a-kind pieces or very limited editions.
I aspire to develop my skills as a glass artist and metalsmith by exploring new tools, different metals and glasses. I am particularly interested in soldering, cold fusing, wire work and continuing master the color form of glass. This desire to learn will teach me a new set of skills and hone the existing through trial and error, reading and reference materials, and the occasional instruction from other artists in the field. This new skill set will take me to the next level in my designs.
Finally, I am looking to expand my horizons by attending festivals, holding trunk shows and finding a retail locations to sell my designs and learn more about the business side of selling art jewelry.
Tamra S. (Klocke) Kriedeman...a little history
After deciding to take a well-deserved hiatus from her day job as Community Advocate for the City of Enderlin, North Dakota, Kriedeman is diving head first into her real love(s). Food and jewelry.
As a child, Tamra could be found in the kitchen, making breakfast before most of the family even considered opening an eye to greet the day. Not much has changed. She partners with the owners at Bless My Bloomin’ Cookies in Enderlin and uses their kitchen facilities to make her culinary creations. If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy a Cheese Roll, Runza, Calzone or a few of her famous licorice caramels. You don’t know what you missing! She is also a master lefse maker, rolling sheet after sheet of the Norwegian delicacy. Each summer she hosts a Farmers Market booth where you can find delicious fresh vegetables from her garden and don’t forget to ask about the dill dip.
Jewelry has always been a love. You can always find Tamra with that perfect pair of earrings and necklace to match. About 4 years ago, after dabbling in beading, she took a class on the introduction to hot glass from an artist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. That set the tone for what was to come. Since that time she has set up a studio and office in her home where she can flamework glass beads, solder silver and design accessories. Always looking to improve herself, she spent a few days last June at the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, where she took classes on soldering silver and mastering the form of glass. Tamra has a creative spirit and is inspired by color, texture, nature and her ever-changing environment, which are represented in her designs. Intimidated by nothing, she is the child of “Trial and Error” and it makes her a stronger, better artist.
Don't be surprise to find Tamra at a festival near you this year!
Tamra lives in scenic southeast North Dakota with her husband Rex and a lazy, crazy grey cat, named Orson B Wells (he has a tiny white beard, just like Orson Wells). They enjoy their farm, large garden and quiet the land brings. You can find Tamra most Friday nights at home, enjoying a homemade pizza …another passion and another story.
.jpg) .jpg) Jewelry, Glass and Metal Experience: Introduction to Hot Glass on the touch: Beadmaking with Malcom Potek, Minneapolis, MN; Mastering the form with Frank Scott, 2007 Bead and Button Show, Milwaukee, WI; Soldering silver with Mark Lareau, Bead and Button Show, Milwaukee, WI; lots of trial and error!
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