Artist Gallery

Connie Kuilema

My sister-in-law Wanda put it best, when I asked advice of my friends on how to write this little bio. She said "Since your life did not officially begin until you started beading, I'd start there." I thought about that for a bit, and she's right. Up until then I was a bit of a wanderer. From traditional jewelry making to soft sculpture to chain mail. Jack of all, master of none.

I got into beading when my mom and step-father were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. I had to find something that would allow me to get through this without losing my mind. What better way than to learn a whole new skill set! My life was chaos, but I could create order in my beads. I wandered into Ayla's Originals in Evanston IL. one day, and stayed for nearly 10 years. I taught chain mail and beading techniques while I played there. (I can't really call it working since most weeks I got paid in beads.). Off loom weaving held me for a long time. More recently my passion is for embroidery. there are just so many possibilities the mind boggles, and now that I've caught the steampunk bug I've also rediscovered my love of hats. (I live in a small town, this could be fun.)

My very first convention was Windycon in 1988. This will be my third Chicon. I've lost count of all the ones in between. I've been away for awhile so I'm certainly looking forward to seeing everyone again, even my friends I haven't met yet.

Most of last winter there was a steady stream of inspiration particles bombarding me. One project led to another, then to 10 more. Head on down to the art show and take a peek. Hope you like it.

I live in a house my husband Hank and I built a few years ago in an orchard in SW Michigan. We put a lovely studio in the basement and I can bead to my hearts content. When I'm not beading I am fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, sailing, or playing with my 3 pugs.