Glass is a metaphor for life

When I began taking glass in college, I was taking 21.5 units and working a full time job. I was a Liberal Studies major on the fast-track to becoming an elementary school teacher; glass was going to be a creative outlet for a somewhat stress-filled life. Whenever possible, I would go into the studio to observe other students blowing, cutting, twisting, folding or otherwise manipulating this intriguing medium. When given the opportunity, I would work in the studio, experimenting with tools and creating "art" (that only a mother would love). I was drawn to the spontaneous and volatile nature of glass and the accompanying challenge that, with one unplanned move, the artist could be forced in a different direction. In my abstract thinking, I believe that this volatility can be a metaphor directly relating to life-with a single turn, one can be sent on a different course entirely, to their benefit or sometimes their detriment.

Through manipulation of this medium I have come to the realization that I have learned as much from glass as I have from my academic endeavors. It has taken me places, both geographically and intellectually, where I may never have traveled. Geographically it led me to the beautiful state of Colorado, in the summer of 2000, to work for established glassblower, Jon Bush, at a Renaissance Faire. Following my two month stint at the faire, I set out on a solo 7,000 mile road trip to visit with known and previously unknown relatives in Midwestern states. I believed that my central location was too good an opportunity to pass up, so why not go a little further? Due to experiences with glass, I already have enough stories in my head to captivate the imaginations of my (future) children and grandchildren. I had continued to travel to Minnesota every summer since to work for Sesame Street Live, a job I landed during my 2000 trip...and decided to move here in 2003...the stories increase...

Intellectually, glass has opened doors about which I was unaware and caused me to contemplate social and political issues as subjects of my sculptural work. I have discovered that I produce two types of work: one which is aesthetically pleasing and therefore saleable; the other is sculptural and addresses the aforementioned issues. I am very concerned with the state of the world today, especially in regards to violence, hatred and the lack of tolerance. Glass has given me a platform on which I can express my opinions.

Glass may twist off and form something new, just as life; I'm in it for the ride and strive to reflect that in my work.