Page 19 - the NOISE February 2014

An example of John Binzley’s beadwork.
one could live here forever and still encounter yet another fascinating, inspiring and talented individual who, unbeknownst, has been my neighbor all along.
Although highly influenced by the Navajo beading tradition, and an incorrigible desert rat, Mr. Binzley found it difficult to make a liv- ing off his creative endeavors in the Southwest, and eventually made the leap to the Indone- sian island of Bali, where he built a second studio and home in the idyllic town of Ubud, a hub for an international community of artists.
The proximity of his home to other Asian countries allowed him to travel extensively throughout the Far East. He makes yearly pil- grimages to Tibet, Nepal, India, Pakistan, China, Myanmar and Cambodia, on average visiting nine countries a year. More recently he has started exploring South America, and the Phil- ippines is on the docket for the upcoming year.
“I got bit by a bug and got travel fever,” he laughs. “It’s just amazing to go into the un- known. And I always try to make it an adventure.”
He tells me about a memorable trip to Pakistan in 1995, and how he and his friend were escorted to the border of Afghanistan by a group of AK-47 armed guards. Egypt was also a monumental experience. He was able to see the mother source of all art and culture, and how it evolved as it spread into the rest of the world. “As an artist, it was re- ally interesting to see the origin of all those influences, and what they became,” says Mr. Binzley. “Egypt really has it all.”
He weaves his skills in silver, beadwork, lapi- dary and leather, and the treasures discovered during his travels into a cultural melting pot of accessories, jewelry, handbags, and pouches. He also makes Tonka wall-hangings, intricate- ly beaded depictions of Hindu gods and god- desses traditionally done in brocaded cloth.
Mr. Binzley also has a sense of humor. His one-of-a-kind satchel, We love you Sonny, pays tribute to Hell’s Angels founder and Cave Creek resident Sonny Barger through an original bead and multi-media image on the flap. He describes his pieces as “fine funky ethnic.” They reflect an intimate knowledge and experience of many cultures woven into a single tapestry of artistic expression.
Mr. Binzley will be at the Gem & Mineral Ghow (January 30-February 10) in the Grant Inn, room 124, 1365 W. Grant Rd., Tucson. 520-622- 7791.Locally,Mr.Binzley’sworkcanbefoundat West of the Moon Gallery in downtown Flag- staff; Hoel’s Indian Shop in Oak Creek Canyon, and Aurum in Jerome. JohnBinzley.com
THe eTeRNAL GLeAM oF CoPPeR
Did you know...
Copper is the oldest metal known to man and has been mined for 5,000 years. Histori- ans call the period of time between the Neo- lithic and Bronze Ages the Copper Age. One of the discovered Dead Sea Scrolls was made of copper. The Egyptian pyramids had copper plumbing and associated copper with the Ankh symbol of eternal life. Copper is often referred to as “man’s eternal metal.” Along with gold, copper is the only nondegradable metal. All gold contains some level of copper, even 24 karat. All chocolate has copper in it; dark chocolate has more. All human beings have copper in them; women more than men.
Copper is a natural antibacterial. Copper’s atomic symbol Cu is derived from the Latin term cuprum meaning “metal of Cyprus.” The mythological goddess Venus, associated with the metal, is often depicted being blown onto the shores of the island. When polished, copper is a fiery orange color. It darkens to a brown patina as it is exposed to air. When ex-
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thenoise.us • the NOISE arts & news • FEBRUARY 2014 • 19