Interview with DesertRoseArtGlass

I was born and grew up in California in a large family; there were 8 of us -- 4 girls and 4 boys! It was a fun childhood and I have many fond memories of those days. I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in my early twenties and loved living there while raising my family. I was lucky to have a lot of friends and neighbors who were artisans and they inspired me during my creative endeavors. Over the years I’ve enjoyed sewing, macrame, crewel embroidery, hand quilting; and I love to bake and cook ethnic cuisine. I also love to travel and experience other cultures, work in my garden and I’m an avid reader. My husband, Jim, was a pilot for a large corporation, so during our marriage I had opportunities to visit Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico and Northern Africa. When Jim retired, we moved to Tucson, Arizona and built our dream home in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. My traveling now centers around visiting our daughter, son and their families in Michigan and Florida. I have four grandsons that range in age from 5 to 2 and they make my world go around these days.

What is your professional backgound?

I went back to college when my kids were in junior high school and graduated with a degree in business. Besides wife, mother, and a domestic engineer I’ve worked as a waitress, cosmetics representative, administrative assistant, executive assistant, and human resources and benefits manager.

What made you start working with glass and when?

I’ve always loved stained glass. My husband’s father was a glass artisan and he inspired me to take a class offered by the local arts and recreation department. That was almost 20 years ago. I created copper foil and lead glass pieces for the first fifteen years. About four years ago I took a dichroic pendant fusing class and bought my small kiln that day! I was surprised that I would enjoy fusing so much. I’ve since purchased a larger kiln. I also love creating mosaics. I’m a Gemini and I’ve read that we get bored easily, so I’m lucky to be able to go from one glass method to another when I feel a need to move on to something different.

Does your glass inspiration come from someplace special in your life?

I get inspired looking out my windows at the mountains and the desert in my neighborhood. I love nature; birds, flowers, etc. and I think a lot my work reflects that. I also love beautiful fabrics and am inspired by colorful paintings, especially watercolors.

How would you describe glass?

Beautiful, seductive, fragile, temperamental, fascinating, and totally awesome!

Is your studio all you want it to be?

Yes. I’m lucky that I have a large studio off of our garage. It has a separate entrance and lots of counter top and cupboard space. Jim designed and built my eight-foot table with glass storage on one side and lots of electrical plugs. It has lead and zinc came storage tubes and is centered in the room making it easy to work on large panels. I also have a large sink for clean ups and a large window which is filled with glass!

Do you prefer music or quiet when you are working on your craft?

I like music when I’m working. It’s great to be able to sing and dance around when the mood hits you while working on a piece.

If you have a really bad glass day, what comforts you?

A glass of nice Chardonnay, some dark chocolate and a good book.

If you have a really good glass day, do you celebrate?

Absolutely! If I have an especially good day I’m energized and planning my next project. And maybe a glass of nice Chardonnay!

The best part of working with glass?

The whole procedure of choosing a project and design, selecting the glass, executing the process. Of course the finished piece is always a thrill, just the beauty of how the whole process flows together and in the end you have a gorgeous piece of glass art.

What is the worse part of working with glass?

The tiny cuts and stabs from handling glass. It never fails that I get stabbed when picking up a small shard when cleaning up. And the smell of the oil and putty when finishing a lead piece and some of the other chemicals used in stained glass.

Can we have a few words of wisdom from you please?!

Just relax and have fun. Take classes to expand your knowledge and skills. Meet other glass artisans, share your knowledge and learn from them. Don’t fret over your mistakes and enjoy your creative moments!

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