About Beryl K. Thompson
BI0Beryl K. Thompson is a jewelry designer, fiber, and mixed media artist. Her work blends features of traditional West African designs with contemporary avant-garde aesthetics to create unique and wearable pieces of art. After retiring, from a 35-year career, as an educator, administrator, and community liaison for at-risk youth, Thompson started her own business, The Gift Box "Where Creative Ideas Are Crafted". For some years, the Columbus Cultural Arts Center of Columbus, Ohio has provided her the opportunity to grow as an interdisciplinary artist. She is a member of Creative Women of Color, a collective of African American women artists whose mission is to educate, inspire, and provide a creative connection with the Columbus community.
Artist Statement
You have heard of the phrase, "Necessity is the mother of invention". My passion for fiber art, weaving, jewelry design, and fabrication comes from the desire to fill my life with unusual and beautiful objects. Whether sculptural, decorative, or wearable, I utilize a variety of mediums and techniques to create what I envision. Recently, my work has focused on off-loom weaving techniques, mixed media assemblages, and incorporating fiber/textiles in one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. I have also begun to incorporate my handmade polymer clay beads into my jewelry designs.