Originally a mixed-media painter Norton-Cohen created ethereal abstract works that expressed her connection to the Universal Life Force. However, once she was introduced to the wide, wide wonderful world of beads, a new direction opened up for her. Norton-Cohen explains, “It was love at first sight. I love the history of beads. I love the color and texture of beads. I love the intrinsic properties of gemstone beads. In fact, to date, I have not met a bead that I haven’t fallen in love with.”

Using various bead sizes and shapes in vibrant color combinations, Norton-Cohen spends many attentive hours in meticulous handwork. She particularly enjoys off-loom bead weaving, a technique in which seed beads are woven together using a single threaded needle to create various stitches and patterns. Norton-Cohen says “For me, bead weaving is very meditative and I truly get lost in the process.”

Norton-Cohen’s precise jewelry creations include gemstone beaded necklaces, gemstone chokers, energy bracelets, earrings, and peyote stitch seed bead bracelets. She also creates miniature landscape and abstract framed paintings using tiny beads.

Norton-Cohen loves the creative process and the endless possibilities that life presents. She enjoys breaking boundaries, experimenting, and thinking outside of the box. While working on her BA in Art at California State University Northridge, a painting professor declared that Norton-Cohen was a conceptual artist. “That works for me,” she said.

Norton-Cohen has been active in the local art community for 21 years. She volunteered at the Sedona Arts Center, joined the Northern Arizona Watercolor Society and the Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition where she eventually became President.