Techniches and Traditions    Passion for Glass 

I fell in love with glass during a family vacation to Bermuda where I spent hours observing and asking questions at an open air, ocean front, hot shop, at the Royal Navy Dock Yard. I was fascinated with the thick, free flowing gather of hot glass, the blowing, molding, and adding color. I could see the technical challenges, but also the range of possibilities in using glass as an art medium. I was 14. Upon returning home, I began learning to blow glass and create glass art pieces; I have never looked back. It is my passion.

I am a 2010 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, School of American Crafts – Glass Program. My training includes having worked in studios at Penland, Urban Glass, Glassworks, Flame Run, Corning, and in New Jersey, at Belle Meade Hot Glass and Vandermark Merritt Studio. My goals are to work with the Venetian Glass Masters in Italy and the U.S; and eventually, to operate my own hot shop and studio. My aim is to master the Venetian techniques, and to develop a personal glass art style that reflects my own expression and design.

People ask me what inspires me. I am a curious person, and that often leads to inspiration. I love rainy days, Christmas, art museums, roller blading, golf, walking in the woods, waterfalls, the ocean, music, and movies that take me to places I’ve never been. The formula for my work is personal; I am focused; each piece receives my passion and perseverance for excellence. My vision contains an understanding of the properties and movement of glass, and application of color.

I have learned that people want to understand what they see. The themes and patterns of my work are varied. Some pieces have no message; they are simple, colorful, and playful. Others are serious, magical, mysterious and complex. I want to engage people to look at the work over and over, and find something new and beautiful each time. In the end, I trust each piece promotes an understanding and appreciation of the art. Whenever I part with a piece of my glass, I feel a piece of my life goes with it. Each piece is part of my journey.

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