Welcome! You are one of the very first people to see this website. I would very much appreciate your feedback!
So how did I get here? As noted in the “About” section, I have been creating in stained glass for 36 years. It all started when I was in high school. Sophomore year (this is WAY back when elementary was K -6, Junior high was 7-9 and High school was 10-12) and I wanted to take an art class. The rule for the school was that you HAD to take the drawing class first. Well, I absolutely detested drawing. I knew it was not for me, I wasn’t good at it, and struggled immensely. Having had 6 older brothers and sisters who had attended this same school, i knew the other art teachers would surely remember one of them, hopefully liked them, and would sympathize with my plight, take pity and let me transfer to a different class. Sure enough Roger Mathews, who taught mixed media art, was my savior and worked with Mr. Terry to allow me to transfer into his class.
In Mr Mathews class, he first exposed us to metallurgy and I made a few pieces of both jewelry and sculpture. Then, because he himself was an accomplished glass artist and owned Hallelujah Stained Glass in Wichita, KS, he introduced us to Glass. I. Was. Hooked. I think there was something about taking a piece of glass, deconstructing it and then reconstructing it into something completely different and amazing that just clicked with me. You literally get to break stuff to make stuff! I did venture out periodically into other media’s. I was introduced to metal casting and even built an entire lantern, metal and glass that was displayed at the Wichita Public Library. And created a balsam wood saloon front that was displayed in a city wide art show. I still have the lantern, but the saloon front did not survive.
My work in glass has ebbed and flowed over the years depending on means, relationships, location and family situation. Having now settled in Northern Colorado, and in a home that allows me to have a studio space, I am excited to kick my glass work up a notch and begin offering it for sale on a regular basis. I have been taking requests and selling or sometimes trading pieces over the years, so you will see that some people comment that they already own some of these works.
I also hope to offer classes on a more regular basis. I have been working with a local art center, so keep an eye out there! I fully believe everyone should try EVERYTHING until they find that one art media, wether it may be glass, pottery, fabric, fiber, sewing, jewelry, beading, music etc.. until they find that thing that brings them joy, and sparks their passion.
With that I will close this, my first blog post EVER, and hope everyone has a great weekend!