My Name is Libby Itskovich
I sell as Gemstones by Libby
Who’s your biggest critic and supporter? My biggest critic is my daughter, and my biggest supporter is my partner.
What was your first piece and/or idea that made you keep creating? I first started using beads by embellishing my granddaughter’s ballet costumes and making tiaras and flower head bands.
What lead you to where you are today? I discovered an Australian wholesale bead company and later an American bead company, and this is how my obsession with gemstones beads began.
Who are your favourite artists? and what inspires your work? I mostly learn my beading technics from books and beading magazines. Slowly I started to understand that I like a classical elegant style in jewellery, a style of jewellery which you can wear to work and on special occasions. It is exactly how Irina Miech creates. She has a wide range of beading technics and designs her graceful jewellery perfectly. I have a few of her books and she is one of many artists who write for “Beads Style” magazine. She is my favourite artist and inspiration. The beauty of my gemstone beads inspires my designs.
What other areas would you like to explore or expand into? Recently I became interested in Vintage Jewellery and combining gemstone beads with vintage filigree findings. I think it looks very feminine
What advice would you give other artists/illustrators starting out? Follow your heart and enjoy what you are doing.
How has your creative style developed over time? Steadily, with enthusiasm.
What do you love most about working with your medium/material? Bringing life to inert material.
How hard is it as an artist to balance creativity with business? The business creative balance is very difficult to achieve, but still I believe that you have to love what you are doing and create each piece of jewellery like you are making it for someone you love.
