Meet Pam Of PamelaAngus

Visit her wonderful shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5033262

How many years have you been an artist?
Well I left fulltime employment in 2002 so I could lead a more creative life, so I guess 2002?

How many years have you worked with glass?
I took a course in traditional stained glass 2003 (or was 2004?) just before we moved to France, then I didn't work with it again for about a year or so. It's only in the last couple of years that I've been 'experimenting' with copperfoil technique.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Beautiful things! If I see something pretty and wonderful and that catches my imagination I wonder if I can make it in stained glass - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! I have files full of magazine clippings from about the last 15 years - mostly home interior/life style stuff) I sometimes sit down with paper and a pen and 'doodle' whilst I look through them, usually the paper is just a mass of chaotic nonsense but sometimes, in the corner, there's a shape or an idea I'll try. I never throw my 'ideas' pages away ...even if I don't think there's anything useful there maybe one day I will!!

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Usually when I'm in the middle of another project which is really annoying!!

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I thinking about it 99% which isn't healthy! I wish I could forget about it but my mind is always busy (and in chaos!) The amount of time I spend each day actually making pieces varies greatly - there are spells where I can't settle to anything so I just don't force myself and other days where I will work all day and get grumpy because I have to stop for meals!

Do you create daily?
I'll usually try to do something most days, even if that's just putting beads on a garland.

How important is it for you to create art?
I like the ideas and I like the finished work but I don't crave the actual 'creating' part of the process. Ideally, I would have the ideas and then little elves would make the pieces :)

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
If I was a single person I would'nt be able to live on my income (yet! ) so having a supportive partner has been necessary. I really miss going clothes shopping without feeling guilty!!!!! Every purchase is a consider one now (which really takes the fun out of it ) But I don't have a horrible commute to work anymore, I can take a day off work on a whim and I'm in control of my life :)

Describe your studio
I have 2 rooms. The smaller one is for glass cutting and paperwork etc, and the adjoining room is a large room with a cathedral ceiling (very hard to heat in winter!!) I do my assembling of pieces there and hang my work there too. It's painted white and light grey and has loads of natural light and a warm breeze flows through in the summer and you can hear the mountain stream - I feel very fortunate. The door leads out onto a balcony with a view down the valley and across to the Chartreuse mountains, and steps down to the side of the house. My next door neighbour is a honey producer and my studio used to be his shop and exhibition space.

Tell me something about you.
When I'm in the supermarket I like to find miniature versions of foods (such like half bottles of champagne) I hold them so that just for a fleeting second I can feel like a giant. This week it was baby pineapples :)

Meet Jeannette Of GigisDesigns's

Meet Jeannette Of GigisDesigns's
You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5107597

How many years have you been an artist?
I've always enjoyed exploring different mediums of art. I've tried painting, sculpting, fiber art, wood burning, anything that helps me release all the ideas bouncing around in my head.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I have been working with glass for 3 years.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
I think I'm mostly inspired by fabric patterns and colors and I love when something is blooming. Whether it's in my yard or in a photo in a magazine. The colors and shapes get me sketching and planning. I'm a very visual person and everything that I see influences me in some way.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
My ideas come from everywhere. I seldom have to sit down and try to think of a new project. Mostly, ideas come to me when I'm in need of something and I tell myself that I can just make it. Or friends and family will say that they are looking for something in particular and I'll come up with a way to make it for them. I tend to do this often and find myself saying, "No problem, I'll just make it for you."

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I'd have to say 85% of the time I'm doing something with glass. Since I'm set up at home, I'm surrounded by it. It doesn't matter if it's during the day when the kids are at school or if it's late at night, I'll squeeze in some glass time.

Do you create daily?
It might not always be with glass, but I do create something daily. If I don't, I get sad or grumpy or both. If it's not glass, then it's photography, sewing, painting, coloring, sketching. Even gluing stuff together makes me happy. Is that too much information?

How important is it for you to create art?
Creating is very important to me. I enjoy making art for my home and to share with people around me. I believe everyone should have art in their lives.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I don't think that I had to sacrifice anything. The luxuries, I can do without. I love that I'm able to do this. My husband, Jeff is a wonderful, supportive person. He's the one who had to sacrifice the third bay of our garage for my work shop.

Describe your studio.
My studio takes up the 3rd bay of our garage and only sometimes spills over into the kitchen. I have an old school table that I bought for $15 at the ASU Salvage yard. It's the perfect height to sit at and work and it has these very convenient cubbies underneath that hold some molds. I also have a higher table that I made from a wire shelf unit and MDF. I have a Skutt Kiln that is terrific to work with. I think I'll have to give her a name since I spend so much time with her. My studio is insanely hot during the summer months and wonderfully cool the rest of the year. I try to keep it clean, but that doesn't always happen.

Tell me something about you.
I guess I'll start at the beginning... I was born in Ashtabula, OH and moved to Arizona with my parents and sister when I was five. I grew up running around on the hot desert dirt as a kid and now my kids are doing the same. I've been married for 14 years to that wonderful guy who gave up 1/3 of the garage and we have a son, Nate who is 13 and growing out of his clothes as I write this. We also have a 10 year old daughter, Maddie who dances through life with a smile on her face. She inspires me to not sweat the small stuff.I went to school to get a degree in art history, but instead got one in interior design. I'm addicted to home remodeling projects and I love the smell of paint and wood as a saw cuts through it. (I know, sounds weird.) I got interested in fused glass when I took a class one summer and I haven't looked back.I have two dogs, Louis a maltese/poodle mis and Cooper, a maltese/shih tzu mix. They are cute and cuddly and I love their little faces.

Brandy--you will be missed!

Brandy adopted in 1996

passed away today, January 19, 2009

Gone But Not Forgotten
There’s a hole in my heart

Where Brandy used to be.

No words of condolence

Or kind sympathies

Can quiet the storm

That I feel at my core

Knowing dear Brandy

Won’t be here anymore.
Friends say they’re sorry

Intentions are true.

They can’t understand

What I’m going through;

Grief’s my companion

Since I’m without you

My soul’s filled with sorrow

I walk around blue.
But there’s comfort in knowing

My beloved pet waits.

She’s crossed Rainbow Bridge

And entered the gate

Where all of God’s creatures

Who’ve passed from the Earth

Are happy and healthy A blessed rebirth.
So I thank you my Brandy

For friendship so true

When others deserted

I could count on you

I’ll carry your memory

Forever inside

And patiently wait

‘Til you’re back by my side.
In Loving Memory Of Brandy

Meet Joan of JoanJewels

Meet Joan of JoanJewels

You can visit her shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5019032

How many years have you been an artist?
I have been an artist all of my life. I started creating art or crafting since I was little. I came from a very creative family. I would make things out of found objects from the beach that I loved and grew up close to.

How many years have you worked with glass?
I have worked with glass seriously for two years. Glass is my passion and I always love continuing my education. My 6 year old grandson is very interested and I will pass my knowledge (carefully) down to him.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
Nature triggers ideas for new projects. I am most interested in form, texture, and depth of all items. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night thinking of new ideas. I have a pad and paper by the side of my bed so I jot them down right away. If I wait until morning, I will surely forget.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
I have new ideas for projects many times in a week. I just don't have enough time to create everything I think about. I have to prioritize my art glass work. My fused glass knobs and pulls, as well as decorative accent glass tiles is my main product. My art glass home decor and jewelry gives me additional joy to make. Like icing on a cake.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I work with glass approximately 32 hours a week. I love every minute of it!

How important is it for you to create art?
Creating art is extremely important to my life. It's my zen time of the day. It's right up there with food, water and family.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Have you given up certain luxuries?
I have not given up anything living the artist life. It has brought me the luxury of meeting new friends, being happier and healthier, and spending more time with my family. I wouldn't trade this time of my life for anything!

Describe your studio.
I'm fortunate my glass studio is in my home. So, I can work in my pajamas in the middle of the night if I want to. I am still working on shelving and organizing, especially during the holidays, but I will complete it in the new year.

Tell me something about you.
I am a mom and proud grandmother of 3 beautiful grandchildren, ages 6, 2, and 7 mos. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA by the beach. We went to Playland at the Beach everyday after school. Until health problems in 2000, I made a living in the corporate world as an accountant. If I hadn't of been sick, I would of never tried making a living as a glass artist, so I have been blessed.
I started my business as JoanJewels, creating art glass jewelry and then had the idea of making glass knobs, pulls, and tiles. So, I changed the company name to Uneek Glass Fusions and built my website to sell my art glass products. The company has been steadily growing and I couldn't be happier. No, I have not given up anything being a glass artist.

Meet Lisa of LISAHAMMER

Meet Lisa of LISAHAMMER
You can visit her Esty shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=93669

How many years have you been an artist?
I’ve been creating things for as long as I can remember. I can remember accessorizing my bike with leftover paint my parents had and making things from everything that I could get my hands on when I was a kid. In college, I decided to major in graphic design then went on to manage my parents aircraft upholstery business during the day and creating art at night part time. Until a few months ago I had always had a day job and did my art in my spare time. For the last few months I have been creating my fused glass jewelry full time so it’s only recently that I have become a full time artist.
How many years have you worked with glass?
I had been fascinated with glass fusing for a couple of years before working with it. After attending a glass show in Orlando, Florida several years ago, I purchased a kiln and dove right into it. I haven’t looked back yet!
What triggers ideas for new projects?
Everything seems to trigger ideas in me! I love looking through magazine and books for color combinations to use in my glass work. I also try to read up on new techniques and materials that are available to try and think of ways I can incorporate it into my work.
When do ideas come to you? How often?
Usually really great ideas come to me as I’m drifting off to sleep. I also seem to get ideas while having conversations with people or just doing my daily activities.
What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
Now that I’m creating my jewelry full time, I try to structure my day as if it was a job. I try to work a full day taking photos, creating listings on Etsy, creating new pieces and getting ready for upcoming shows. Of course sometimes I get side tracked with doing household activities like laundry, grocery shopping and house cleaning.
Do you create daily?
Yes, I try to do some thing creative every day. Some days it is fun activities like cutting glass and creating pieces and other days is the background work of photographing and listing on Etsy.
How important is it for you to create art?
Extremely! Thanks to the support of my wonderful husband, it is now my full time job! A dream come true for me!
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice? Have you given up certain luxuries?
I’ve wanted to create art full time for quite a while now that I’m just happy to be able to do so. The joy of being able to create out weighs the luxuries that I miss….most of the time.
Describe your studio.
My studio is the third bedroom in our house. It’s painted with light blue/green paint and has large window that looks out to the street. My work bench sits in front of the window. We also have two desks (one mine and one my husband’s) for our computers and my kiln in the corner. It’s cozy but works! Luckily there is a LARGE closet that I’m able to store most of my supplies and the overflow is stashed in the garage. Most of the time the closet is organized…I wish I could say the same about my desk and workbench.
Tell me something about you.
I’m a HUGE dog lover and have two Airedales name Oliver and Paige. Oliver is a bit over 5 years old and Paige is less than a year. As a result of my love for dogs, my Mom (who also has an Airedale named Gertrude) just opened a joint Etsy shop to sell handmade dog collars named FabFido.

Meet Cindy of ccvalenzo

Meet Cindy of ccvalenzo

You can visit her wonderful shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5109478

How many years have you been an artist?

I've been working with glass about 20 years. I started out in mosaics as a teen and then stained glass which I occasionally do and now into fused glass.
How many years have you worked with glass?

I've been an artist in one way or another all my life. I have this need to create and have done quite a bit from sewing to painting.
What triggers ideas for new projects?

Just about anything I see may trigger a new idea. It may be a scarf I've seen or a painting sometimes just a couple of colors thrown together.
When do ideas come to you? How often?

I am constantly looking for new ideas. Unfortunately I don't write them down right away and forget a lot of them. Just about every day brings a new approach or design.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?

I work on the art at least 8 hours a day with another 10 going to assembly, photography and listing.

Do you create daily?

I do create every day because I go into withdrawal when I don't. I have an empty feeling when I haven't done something with my glass for a day.

How important is it for you to create art?

Creating and working with glass is like breathing. Every piece that I do takes on a life of its own and has its own characteristics. Even if it is just a simple piece it still has to be symmetrical or pass my own personal approval which is pretty stringent.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?

Have you given up certain luxuries?

I have given up quite a few luxuries when I transitioned to the artist life. I came from a management position in corporate America (30 Years) and that regular check afforded my many extras. But the ability to work creatively is so much more gratifying.

Describe your studio.

I have a very large studio with 5 kilns, saws, grinding equipment, sandblasters, torches and assorted smaller equipment. I had a B&M store front studio so I brought the inventory to my home studio and have more glass than some shops have. It is very well equipped mainly because I have always felt that the right tools make work and creating so much easier. It's chaotic though. While I can easily find things when I want them there is glass everywhere and it's not very neat.I am not a very patient person and like things done now. That can be quite frustrating when trying to develop a new design. With glass you don't have a lot of control beyond the layout. No matter how careful you've been once you put it into the kiln it's out of your hands and loosing this control gives me many anxiety ridden moments.

Tell me something about you:

I love to cook and that's good because I have a lot more control over that. My high energy level drives me and I am constantly trying to improve. When I get favorable responses from my clients it makes it so worthwhile and makes me feel like I am really bringing some beauty into this world.