Artist Statement My work is inspired by the chaos of the universe and the diversity of human emotion. While my vision for most works is organic in nature, my high standards for technical execution and functionality is always at the forefront. On a continual basis I strive to create pieces that evoke excitement, convey movement, achieve balance, and stand apart.
As the Principal Artist and Education Director at Wired Designs Studio, Inc., I specialize in functional glassware and vessels for home décor, lighting, and architectural installations. Our teaching studio offers over thirty different workshops in hot, warm, and cold glass. My addiction to glass as an artistic medium has spread to my students, and there is no cure. My work is installed in private collections and adorns homes throughout the region.
Education: 1987 – Present Coldworking for Professionals,– Johnathon Schmuck, Santa Clara, CA, Instructor 3 day workshop; lathe carving & engraving work, 3-D sculpture & texture development
Casting the Human Form,– Kerry Transtrum, Layton, Utah, Instructor 4 day workshop; lost wax casting, mold making, open face relief casting, finishing
Art for Architecture,– Roger Nachman, Seattle, WA, Instructor 2 day workshop; execution of architectural installations, model/machette development
Intaglio Carving & Cameo Engraving, – Jiri Harcuba, Prague, CZ, April Surgent, Seattle, WA, Instructors 5 day workshop; lathe carving, lathe engraving work, color layering & removal
Open-Faced Kiln Casting, – Dar Horn, Los Angeles, CA, Instructor 2 day workshop; free form clay sculpture, glass casting, investment mold creation
Pate De Verre Casting, – Jane Persico, Hazelton PA, Instructor 3 day workshop; casting, mold preparation, custom color blending
Advanced Kiln Formed Bowls, – Patty Gray, Seattle, WA, Instructor 3 day workshop; casting and advanced cold working techniques
Kiln Formed Cane, – Kerry Transtrum, Larkin, UT, Instructor 2 day workshop; flow bars, millefiore, hot work in the kiln
“Cast Glass Sinks” Making sinks, fountains, and other large vessels – Wired Designs
“The Glass Basket” Glass Weaving using glass rod, sheet glass and stringers – Wired Designs, Firebird Studios, Pittsburg Glass Center
“Introduction to Precious Metal Clay” – Wired Designs
“Precious Metal Clay + Glass” – Wired Designs
“Basic Soldering & Setting” – Wired Designs
“Textured Metal Jewelry” – Wired Designs
Bibliography September 2007 – The Flow, Flamework Journal, Fall 2007, Women in Glass, Functional Glassware Category Profiling women who produce functional glassware. (page 67)
June 2007 – Best of America Glass Artists and Artisans Vol.1, (Page 72) Juried book competition highlighting chosen glass artists from the United States.
June 2006 – Warm Glass Conference, Arrowmont School for Arts & Craft, Program Presenter, “Building Your Own Glass Business.”
February 2006 thru May 2008 – President, San Antonio Art Glass Guild, a professional non-profit organization to support the glass arts in San Antonio. Approx. 55 members.
August 2003 – Present Owner/Principal Artist, Wired Designs, Inc.; Glass Art Gallery, Design Showroom, Teaching Studio, and Wholesale Glass Supply Store and E-Commerce Website.
January 2002 thru August 2003 – Studio Artist, Private Workshops
December 1987 thru December 2001 – Corporate Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing and Management
Organizations San Antonio Glass Art Guild (SAGAG), President 2007– 2008 San Antonio Glass Art Guild, Founding President 2006 – 2007 International Guild of Glass Artists (IGGA) Glass Art Society (GAS) International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) American Craft Council (ACC) Precious Metal Clay Guild