What is your professional background?

Mom (Peggy) dropped out of highschool, but later returned to earn a GED, she is now a small automotive business owner and operator with my Dad. Kris has a MS in Pathobiology and works as a Scientist doing cancer research.

What led you to your passion for glass?

I have always loved crystal and shiny things and fell in love with stained glass because of how the light passes through the different colors and textures. After my daughters left home and started families of their own, my good friend inspired me to finally take a class!

What's a typical glass day for you?

I go to my “real job” but leave early and get home to my glass by 2 or 2:30 and work in my glass workshop until about 8pm at night. My fingers are so often worn, cracked and bleeding by the time I finish, but a labor of love! I do glass work because it relaxes me!

How do you feed your creativity?

Generally, nature inspires me, but I like to add new twists to traditional stained glass work, for example, adding motorized carousels to my whirls and lights to some of my pieces.

One word to describe glass.

“BEAUTIFUL”

Three words to describe your studio.

“SANCTUARY” “RELAXING” “PEACEFUL”

What keeps you company when you're working on a glass project?

I am a big sports nut, and love the LA Lakers (Basketball), the LA Dodgers (Baseball) and the St. Louis Rams (Football), so I usually have a t.v. on in the background so I can see/hear the games. Don’t hate me for admitting this, but when sports are not on, it’s usually soap operas or reality tv, I’m a big fan of Survivor and Big Brother.

Favorite treat after a productive session or completed project?

At least a few frosty cold Coors Lights!

Favorite gift ever received?

A large Swarovski crystal rocking horse given to me by my husband.

Favorite task related to your craft?

I enjoy soldering the most, even more so than drawing the pattern, or cutting the glass. I guess it’s because I actually get to see the piece come together in my hands. I like doing stained glass more than fused glass because I’m too impatient to wait and see what comes out of the kiln, I want to see the glass as I’m working on it.

Least favorite task related to your craft?

I hate to patina! What a dirty messy job! Let it shine, let it shine, LOL.

Words of wisdom for aspiring glass artists?

Take a chance! I never thought I could do this, but I’ve spent many wonderful hours learning and improving my technique, if I can do it, anyone can! Grow a tough hide on your hands, it’s not a gentle hobby!

Thank you Kris and Peggy for all your hard work for CGGE.
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