Artist’s Bio

Elizabeth de Balasi first became enchanted with beads as a young girl growing up in Quebec, in a Hungarian family with a rich tradition in embroidery and textile arts.

Her interest was rekindled years later, when she came across literature by American artists who were discovering the many bead stitches of older cultures worldwide. She has since developed a passion for off-loom beadweaving. As a self-taught artist, she enjoys the exchange of ideas and knowledge with other beadworkers.

Her inspiration is drawn from books and magazines depicting ancient and contemporary beadwork, as well as the ongoing observation of personal adornment all around her. Although fascinated by glass and silver art beads, pearls and semi-precious stones, seed beads remain her medium of choice because of the meditative quality that she finds in weaving them together.

Clean, uncomplicated lines and attention to detail characterize her unique jewellery and home decorating ornaments.