Interview with yjja123

First off, please tell us a little bit about you- your background.

Since I was a child, I have always had my hand in something artistic. I spent hours painting pictures and making things. I cannot remember any time in my life that I wasn’t creating something. I live in South Florida. I have been married for 15 years to a wonderful man who supports my glass habit. I am the mother of two wonderful? (they are teenagers) kids, Jessica & Addison. I love animals. We have 2 dogs (black labs). We, currently, have 5 cats. Animals tend to show up at my doorstep. If we ever move, my dream is to live in the country and have a barn for my studio. I would also love to have an animal rescue. I took a stained glass course a few years ago and became addicted to working in glass. I spend my days homeschooling my children and creating fused glass jewelry.

How would you describe your current glasswork?

I am obsessed with necklaces. I do not know why but I just love them. I have, recently, started creating plates, bowls, platters, etc. I have a few different stained glass panels that I am currently working on. Most of my stained glass is given as gifts or installed in my windows throughout the house.

When did you begin working with glass, and why?

I have always had to be in "project mode" and had worked my way through my house, room by room, with remodeling and redecorating projects. My hubby, John, was thrilled to have me find a new hobby. He never knew what he would come home to (from newly painted walls, murals, ripped out flooring, and even a gutted kitchen and bathroom). LOL. I had always loved stained glass and decided I wanted to learn. I took a class and loved it. John bought a kiln for me and I found myself being drawn more and more to it. I still make stained glass but the warm glass takes up more of my time.

What is your favorite part about the medium of glass?

I love that, no matter how much you plan, there is always a surprise element when you open the kiln. I love the whole process of layering the glass and creating the depth with-in the glass. I love the different textures of the glass in my stained glass panels. Glass just has a beauty that is hard to describe.

What area/concepts do you feel you will explore next in the world of glass?

The sky's the limit. There are just so many things you can create with glass. I want to keep learning new techniques. I want to go to Corning next year and take the incredible classes they offer. I am interested in learning how to create blown glass.

Who are some of your favorite glass artists?

Of course I admire all those that came before us. Notable stained glass artists ,John La Farge (who invented opalescent glass), Louis Comfort Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright all come to mind. I also admire all of my fellow CGGE artists who have offered tips and advice that has helped me learn along the way. A few years ago, I was just learning how to use my kiln. A dear friend had passed away from cancer. I was asked to provide fused glass items with a cancer symbol on them for a fundraiser. I did not know how I was going to do it and keep them all looking similar. I contacted a few artists online and only one reached out to help me. It was Lawatha. She went above and beyond in helping me and I will never forget how kind she was. My items were a success and raised some money for the charity.

Do you listen to music while working? If so, what type?

I thrive on Chaos. The louder it is ,the better I create. I learned right away that I break glass when it is too quiet. I listen to country music, TV, kids, dogs, etc, when I am working.

What piece have you made that you're most proud of? (If you have a link to it on Flickr, please share)

I love this necklace. I wish my photography was better. The shell in the center is so striking. I experimented with several pot melts until I got the look I was aiming for. I added it to an ocean blue glass background and, a few firings later, I had what I envisioned. Most pieces do not end up exactly as I plan. This is one that did. It was purchased right away and it is one of those pieces I miss. There are always a few that are hard to let go of. Luckily, I have heard from the buyer a few times. She loves the necklace, so I am happy she has it.

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

Every day that I am creating is a celebration. To be able to spend my time in my studio brings me a lot of joy.

When things don't go quite right in the studio, what comforts you?

Tomorrow is another day to create and perhaps get it right. It seems that my mistakes are not so bad on day 2. I can look at them and decide if they are re-melts or if they are going to go in my memorial garden. I have a garden that sparkles and glitters with pieces that are not "perfect".

Do you have any tips/advice that you would feel comfortable sharing with other glass artists?

I am still learning so I do not feel that I am qualified to give tips. I will say that this is a craft that will bring you great pleasure. There is just something about glass that adds beauty to your home. Wearing my jewelry brings me joy and I hope it does the same to the people who purchase it.

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