Kathy doing a demo at Frantz Art Glass
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Artist Statement
I have spent over fifteen years working with various forms of glass art. After working as an off-hand glassblower at the Toledo Museum of Art for almost 5 years, I realized that I was meant to work with molten glass. Exploring various lampworking techniques with artists like Loren Stump and Brian Kerkvliet has helped me to broaden my skills at the torch. Lampworking offers me the opportunity to express myself in unlimited ways with form, color and light. Working at the torch is both a liberating and contemplative experience.
I have always been drawn to nature and themes dealing with exotic creatures and plant life. In many ways, I feel that I am spiritually drawn to the tiger in a way that is difficult to explain. There has always been a mysticism and mythology centered on the tiger. Legends throughout history associate the tiger with adventure, power, passion and sensuality. Creating this design allows me to capture their energy as a symbolic totem. I like to think that wearing the tiger bead allows one to manifest new adventures and a renewed passion for life. Every time we see the uniqueness of one animal or plant, we also discover something new and unique about ourselves. We are all connected to the natural world and the more our lives honor that connection, the more our lives are filled with beauty, joy and balance. As a result, my life has become more creative and productive
It is my hope to continue the exploration of lampworking and beadmaking with other natural themes as they present themselves. Working with glass has allowed me the opportunity to rediscover the joy and mystery of the natural world. Each bead opens up a world of dreams and possibilities that I hope to share with all those people who buy my beads.
Kathy at the torch at home! |
