CGGE
Spotlight
Interview with GetGlassy
I love working with glass and am somewhat new to it. I've just started playing with
the torch and and am impatiently waiting for my kiln to be delivered. I've tinkered
in the arts and crafts since before I can remember, I've taught knitting, crocheting
and worked as craft manager for a couple of stores over the years. I went back to
college when my kids hit high school, for computer art and design and then started
my own freelance business. I knew the internet was another artistic outlet I wanted
to be a part of and was lucky enough to get into it at the right time. I've taught
web design and worked for advertising agencies. We moved from Buffalo to NYC and
now to a small town north of the city. When I'm not in the thick of a remodeling
project my time is now divided between creating websites and my glass and what I
call portable crafts (which is anything I can do watching TV at night). I am lucky
to have the support of my wonderful husband. I love being a part of this great group
of glass artists. You all have been wonderfully supportive and make me smile daily!
What is your professional background?
Interactive Producer - I've worked in advertising developing websites and marketing plans for big and small companies. I've semi-retired and do mainly freelance work now.
What led you to your passion for glass?
I've been fascinated by glass since my first visit to Corning Glass Works when I was a teenager. Watching them blowing glass was amazing and the colors were so vibrant. I have been into the 'arts and crafts' stuff all my life. Painting, knitting, clay, ceramics, sewing, jewelry… you name it and I've probably tried it. I started working with glass just a few years ago when I moved near a glass shop, took classes and became totally hooked.
What's a typical glass day for you?
I'm a morning person now - so it’s out of bed and clean house, start laundry, make beds, run roomba. Then coffee - I need my coffee to think - I jump on the computer to check email, the forums and the sites I manage. If I have a freelance gig I'm on the computer most of the day. If not, I'm out in the shop working on glass. Dinner time with the family, then it’s relax time with my husband and a glass of wine out on the deck or at the pool table for a game or two if we have any energy, or TV with one of my portable crafts like knitting.
How do you feed your creativity?
For me its left brain first - I practice, learn and get to a point where I feel comfortable with the art form or technique. Once there everything I see turns into the medium, which right now means glass or yarn. But I think the most inspiration comes from talking to others and bouncing ideas around and I LOVE critiques, real ones, not just all the niceties, but constructive and honest. I love hearing how I could have made it a little different or a little better and then my imagination takes whatever I've created to that next level.
One word to describe glass.
Sharp ::: haha :)
Three words to describe your studio.
Messy, developing, and mine.
What keeps you company when you're working on a glass project?
My MP3 player with a little rock & roll - Nickelback, Hinder and Default being my favorites right now but a lot of the oldies but goodies. And sometimes Pete the neighbor's cat wanders in for a visit (I think he just wants to drive my two cats nuts because they aren't allowed in the shop).
Favorite treat after a productive session or completed project?
Same as it is most nights - a pinot grigio
Favorite gift ever received?
My wedding ring - I am still in love with my hubby.
Favorite task related to your craft?
Holding up that finished piece and watching the light play with it.
Least favorite task related to your craft?
waxing/polishing
Words of wisdom for aspiring glass artists?
Have FUN! Get involved with your craft. Meet people you can learn from and talk to about it. Take pride in all the accomplishments - even the not-so-great ones.
Past Spotlights
CreationsinglassLisaHammer
Getglassy
Glassprimitif
Dichroicdazzle
Squidglass
Lawatha
CCValenzo
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