Artist Feature - PATRICIA VENER

Patricia Vener (aka Silver Dragon Designs), in my opinion, is a beadweaver extraordinaire! The details and precision in her work is beyond words. I can only imagine the time and patience she must have to accomplish these wonderful miniature works of art.

A resident of Handen, CT, Patricia originally hails from New York state. It was while in NY at the tender age of four, she visited a local museum. Mesmerized by the textile and beadwork of Native Americans, she knew art was in her future.

Patricia's path as an artist, however, was a combination of both fine arts and performing arts. She is a retired ballerina as well as a published artist, having done illustrations for a CD picture book, “Papa Cardinal Finds Breakfast” by Sandra Wellborn. If dancing, drawing, painting and beadweaving weren't enough, Patricia also hold a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY and has worked as an astronomer and still teaches astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College!

The piece featured above, "Red Sky at Night" incorporates a Russian variation of the Peyote stitch. The earrings can be purchased in her Etsy shop (http://silverdragon.etsy.com/) for $80 USD. To learn more about Patricia, read her Blog at http://vener-art.com/