Grey Feathers Glass Artists
Jo Anne Jones
From the Druid's Forge - Visit Gallery
Background
After playing in ceramic clay for 7 years, I switched to porcelain and ceramic "mud". I continued that for another 10 years. This led to a fascination with heat, and its effect on the clays. Eventually I wondered about the combination of heat and glass. For someone who couldn't pass either chemistry or physics in college, I was totally enthralled with heated glass and studied every book I could get my hands on.
Current
I have been working in fired arts for 16 years. In this time I have found that glass and silver are an unending source of inspiration for me. This has brought about my creating jewelry, dishes, home decor, game sets, and custom orders. Along with my own creations I am currently encouraging others in one-on-one classes.
It is exciting when the "kiln-gods" cooperate and pieces of glass fuse (melt together); colors blend and become one object. My favorite projects are those that involve combining textures, shapes and colors. I love sharing these, and the interplay of colors and light with other people and watching their reactions.
Future
It is said - "Age is only in the mind". I plan to continue honing my skills and learning new techniques as well as sharing these techniques with others. I feel as though I have only just begun. It would be a real "kick" to be a "Grandma Moses" in the glass world. Who knows...
In the future I look forward to creating with up and coming developments in the art glass industry. The one thing that continues to take my breath away is the way that light plays on clear colored glass.
Kay Wiggins
From The Glassery - Visit Gallery
Background
I had no formal training in any art form until I became an adult. My initial efforts were in oil painting - which was fulfilling - I just didn't have the time to continue. I continued to remain close to art through my work in an art museum, classes in art history, and many (many) design classes.
Then it all came together! A friend convinced me to take a class making glass stepping stones. Choosing the glass to use in that first class was the beginning of my total love affair with the relationship of glass and light.
I spent many years working cold glass (stained glass) - loving the colors, while feeling a bit confined by the processes. But I sure did learn to cut glass!
Current
One day, on a whim, I decided to take a fusing class - I'd always thought it too technical up to then. What a revelation!! The rest is history.
I love the combination of glass with copper inclusions - and the drama of copper interacting with heat. I also love the challenge of translating someone's request into an object of art that they love - for themselves or to give as gifts.
Future
I feel that whatever skill or talent I have should be shared. I look at this web site as one way of doing that. There is no thrill quite like someone saying, " I love what you did - it's exactly what I wanted." I want to spend the years ahead creating unique art glass, with the hope that through my art, others will also experience the glory of glass in its many forms. What a treasure we have at our fingertips!