Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, I have lived in the Seattle area since 1988. I have had three careers in my adult life: public health (a PhD specializing in Epidemiology), parenting (fraternal twin sons), and glassblowing (since 2010). Today, almost 8 years later, my main focus is on glassblowing. I love how much there is to learn and the challenge of trying something new. The possibilities are endless. Whether I’m teaching beginners or practicing a new skill, shape or color technique for myself, every aspect of the process excites me.
Creating each new piece involves a significant amount of time. Each project includes drawing and designing the piece, choosing the colors and patterns, creating the parts, setting up the parts and, finally, executing the full piece to the final stages which usually involves some level of grinding, polishing, sandblasting, or engraving. I often employ Venetian techniques such as cane, murrini, and incalmo when working on a project. Many of my pieces are functional vessels made to be used and enjoyed rather than simply viewed. More recently I’ve been experimenting with hot glass sculpture.
Whatever the functional purpose of my pieces, I think it’s important that people interact with a piece. It is best if they can see, feel, and hold my work so they can fully appreciate it. Because of this, I prefer not to be the one to choose a piece for a client or friend. I believe each piece should evoke a feeling or emotion without words and that the person it is truly meant for will find it.
I design my pieces by matching the right form with the ideal surface, color, or patterns. Even after careful planning, I often see new forms emerging from the ones I am currently creating. Exciting new possibilities also open up through experimentation and collaboration with others. Pilchuck Glass School and the Pratt Fine Arts Center have been instrumental in exposing me to new ideas and techniques. This has introduced me to the community of glass artists that I so respect, appreciate and am able to work with and learn from. I discovered glassblowing later than many, but now that I have, I will continue to learn about, design, teach, and create glass art for myself and others.
