November 15, 2010

Spotlight: Cynthia Toops and Dan Adams

Today's Spotlight is on the fabulous duo Cynthia Toops and Dan Adams! Together this husband and wife create some of the best jewelry of our time. Cynthia Toops is the polymer goddess and Dan Adams is the master of glass beads, together their work is magic! You really have to check out their website you won't be disappointed.


Bio: Cynthia Toops

Cynthia has been working with polymer clay since the 1980s. While she is known for her figurative micromosaic pieces, in the last few years she has been concentrating on thin sheet work, creating the cone and claw necklaces and the rolodex series. Most of her work is inspired by ethnic jewelry and ancient beads which she and her husband collect. Cynthia has a BFA in printmaking from the University of Washington and a BA in Biology from Drake University. She spends long hours researching and planning work with Dan Adams, her husband and collaborator. Besides her jewelry work and teaching, she enjoys sushi.
  • BA. Biology, Drake University, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 1979
  • BFA. Printmaking, University of Washington, Seattle, WA., 1983
  • 2007 Artist Trust fellowship award


 Bio: Dan Adams

Dan works full time at a laboratory, making glass beads and jewelry at night and weekends. Originally trained in Anthropology, he is intrigued with the history of glass and the use of beads in the world’s various cultures. Warring States beads were his initial inspiration but tribal design, contemporary design and natural history all have translated into beads. We have both also worked in various collaborative pieces with ourfriends, Seattle metalsmiths Chuck Domitrovich and Juan Reyes.
  • B.A. Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. 1988
  • A.A.A.S. Histotechnology, Shoreline Community College, Seattle, WA. 1994

Click here to visit Cynthia Toops and Dan Adams Website

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