Spotlight
Interview with Glasspizazz
First off, please tell us a little bit about you.
Born, raised, and lived my entire life in the Chicago suburbs and I love it here. I enjoy living where the seasons change, and have access to a great city but can live in a quiet suburb.
Have been married to my wonderful husband for 25 years. He is extremely supportive of all my endeavors from showing my horses to stained glass.
My first great love was horses and I am lucky to have had 2 sharing my life. The picture shows me with Sunset Hill's Imperial Duel (aka Boing) my Arabian gelding.
I have enjoyed many crafts including needlework, decorative painting and stamping. My mother encouraged my crafting from a young age and my aunt taught me to crochet.
What is your professional background?
I have a degree in computer science and have worked for the same company for 24 years.
What made you first start working with glass and when?
Stained glass has always fascinated me. I attended a Tiffany exhibit at the Field Museum many years ago and the desire to make stained glass was born. Started taking classes in 1998 with a friend and have been learning ever since.
I have taken an intensive weekend class on glassblowing, zero knowledge to 5 pieces in 2 days. Its just not for me, the 2000 degree furnace is quite intimidating. Other talented artists can create the beautiful works of art, I will purchase and admire.
Took a class in kiln work, enjoyed it but I always come back to stained glass as my niche.
Does your glass inspiration come from someplace special in your life?
Horses are my favorite subjects, using glass texture and movement to create a lifelike representation is very satisfying. Color inspiration comes from nature, a myriad of choices and combinations.
How would you describe glass?
Alive and ever changing. Depending on the light or lack there of, you always see something different. A medium that can capture movement and emotion.
Is your studio all you want it to be?
My husband built my studio after I said I wish I had my own space to do glass. It is wonderful, 2 large wooden work benches hold all my tools, separate area for my grinder and enough space to create large panels. I like the idea of having all my tools and supplies available in their designated areas. I can leave my work in progress out without putting everything away at the end of the day. There is even a chair for my dog to sleep in while I'm working.
Do you prefer music or quiet when working with glass?
If its music – country or classical. Listening to audio books is my first choice.
If you have a really bad glass day, what comforts you?
Walking away from the workshop and relaxing, most likely with chocolate. Or discussing the problem and getting the frustration out.
If you have a really good glass day, do you celebrate?
Absolutely! I will show off my creation to anyone who stands still long enough.
The best part of working with glass
Being creative with a medium I find extremely beautiful. Watching a project come together piece by piece until the final form is revealed. You can work by yourself or with other artists, it does not have to be a solitary endeavor.
A few words of wisdom.
Enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy. Combine different elements in your life to create wonderful art that has true meaning to yourself.