African Motif Designs

  ©2008 African Motif, Inc.    All rights reserved.

 

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      providing you with the exceptional . . . !

 

 

 

African Motif was established May 1995 in Hanau, Germany by Daniel and Tina Wade. In 1997 we relocated  back to the United States to Lakewood Washington where we opened a small studio/gallery. We are a family owned and operated business. Yes, we do travel to Africa to personally select our items when possible. African  Motif strives to provide you with the highest quality of exceptionally unique african artifacts and gift items. All of our pieces are handmade. There are no two pieces alike, and what appears as slight imperfections are in fact artistic interpretations.

Thank you for your interest in African Motif.

Daniel and Tina Wade

 

Polymer Clay Artist - Tina Wade

A native Oregonian, I currently work from my home in Lakewood, Washington. At an early age I showed and interest for the arts--music, drawing, painting and even sewing. I've always has a passion for color and shapes. I guess creativity was in my blood.

I've worked in pencil, characoal, watercolors, and acrylics. In January 1999, I discovered a medium called "Polymer Clay". Typically doll makers use polymer clay; however, over the years it has gained respect and is recognized as a new art medium. This new clay was just what I was looking for to express myself.

I begin each art piece by kenading, mixing colors and hand shaping the clay. Each piece has a spirit of its own and begins to talk to me as the form begins to take shape. As I continue to build upon the piece--details are added such as beads, feathers, texture, metallics powders, and even coffee grounds. The clay is then baked in a over at 265 F until cured. Some of the more complex pieces require several steps of assembly and baking for completion. So far the pieces I've created have taken on an ethnic flavor.

My work has been exhibited and sold from the following Pacific Northwest locations: BKB & Company, Tacoma Arts Museum-BizArte, Seattle Center Pavilion Gallery-Festival Sundiata, Taste of Tacoma Art a la Crate, Gig Harbor Arts Festival, Tenino art in the Park Festival, the Ethnic Fest in Tacoma, Seattle Bumpershoot 2001 and RAGS 2006 Wearable Art Show.

-Tina Wade