Hard to believe that it has been several years since my last post!
I would like to say that I have figured out my life but lets face it...I am a work in progress. The divorce changed my life. It is a struggle being a single mom. I do not always have things under control. However, I am happier than I ever was married. I like being in charge of my own life.
I still consider myself an artist and an animal lover.
I work in a veterinary hospital and most of the time I love my job. I work for a rare place that puts the animal first, before profit. While this means I am not making a lot of $, it also means I can look people in the face and know we charge a fair price and do our best to save animals. That means a lot to me. Always has. The fact that my son works with me as a veterinary tech makes my job even more pleasurable.
My "zoo" has enlarged to five dogs and (gasp) eight cats. My bakers dozen of animals. There is no more room in the inn. Each one that lives here is loved and family. I still volunteer as much as I can for rescues and do my part to save animals. I just cannot take anymore in. LOL.
I am getting back into creating art. I have several projects in the works and will share them here.
I also want to start featuring other artists. So reach out to me at artglassbyym@aol.com. I will gladly feature your art on my blog.
Happy creating!
~Yvonne~
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Monday, October 14, 2013
A new day
Today I find myself reflecting on my childhood. It amazes me that in a lot of ways I have come full circle. As a child, I wandered the hill that I grew up on. I cared for every stray animal that showed up at my door. I spent countless hours outside painting, drawing and daydreaming. The things that brought me joy as a child still bring me joy. I allowed someone to diminish those parts of me. I will never allow that to happen again. I AM an artist. I AM an animal lover. I AM a country girl. I am going to embrace these parts of me and thank God every day for making me talented, compassionate and appreciative of the world around me. I hope this encourages my children to follow their passions.
Today, I am starting my Christmas ornaments. I do not sell the ones I make each year. They are strictly gifts for family and friends. Usually, I choose a subject that represents something of the current year. This year the symbol is very important. It represents an important part of my moving on and finding myself this year.
Time to cut glass and listen to music. What a great start to my day!
I wish you all a happy Monday!
Yvonne
Today, I am starting my Christmas ornaments. I do not sell the ones I make each year. They are strictly gifts for family and friends. Usually, I choose a subject that represents something of the current year. This year the symbol is very important. It represents an important part of my moving on and finding myself this year.
Time to cut glass and listen to music. What a great start to my day!
I wish you all a happy Monday!
Yvonne
Monday, September 3, 2012
New & exciting things have been listed!
Art Glass BY YM
Visit my store here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtGlassByYM
Art Glass BY YM
Visit my store here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtGlassByYM
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Meet Rachel From Flyingcheesetoastie on Etsy
Meet Rachel From Flyingcheesetoastie on Etsy
You can visit her shop here:
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/flyingcheesetoastie?ref=pr_shop
How many years have you worked with glass?
I have been working with glass in some form or other for about 10 years now. I have a degree in Architectural Glass from Edinburgh College of Art where I graduated in 2007 and I built and opened my own studio in the city in 2009.
What triggers ideas for new projects?
Inspiration for new work broadly falls into two categories; I’ve seen a exhibition or residency or funding call for submission and want to respond directly to that or I have work in mind, whether that’s sculptural or gift related that I simply want to and will make regardless of a destination.
When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me all the time, I’ve never not got at least 3 or 4 new concepts I’m thinking about and wanting the time to realise them. I’ve never and hope I never suffer with lack of ideas or artist’s block.
What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I’m a full time glass artist and this really means 110% of the time. If I’m not in the studio, then I’m working on new designs, ordering materials for new designs, or asleep and dreaming about making new work or flying in the clouds!
Do you create daily?
I try to make daily, this isn’t always the case though, pesky administration takes up far too much time and it necessary evil. I also teach glassmaking in the studio, so sometimes I’m there helping others to create pieces rather than my own. Some days I’m manning a craft fair or other event, trying to sell my wares, which again prevents me from physically making.
How important is it for you to create art?
It’s my life, it’s my outlet, it’s my profession and source of income, it’s what keeps me sane and it’s what feeds the cat (and me on a good day!)
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
It think sacrifice is really the wrong word to use, I’ve always had the determination and drive to achieve what I want, even if that’s meant waiting or putting other things on hold. I have chosen the life I lead and I could very easily stop, get a regular 9-5 office job with a regular salary and regular tasks, if I felt that would make me happy, but I doubt it. I’m fortunate that at this present moment I only have myself and my cat to support, with no desire for a family of my own just yet. If circumstances change them I and my routine would evolve with it.
Describe your studio:
I have a 200 square ft room in an old secondary school building built in the 1930’s just outside Edinburgh. I make it sound glamorous, it isn’t and it’s why there is only photographs of the interior of my room on my Facebook page. When I first took the space, it was an empty room and over 3 months I purpose built it into a kiln and flameworking studio. I have three glass kilns in there, the biggest is a 2mx1m flat bed and the smallest is the beadkiln. Much of what I undertake is kiln work, including screen-printing with enamels and lost wax casting so the three main workbenches reflect those activities. One bench is a 5ft lightbox, steam bed, mold mixing & storage unit, another is a duel size cutting table with a flip down top and the last is a dedicated cold working area with flat disc grinder, ringsaw, pillar drill and other hand tools. Every possible bit of space is used and serves usually more than once function. I think the only space that isn’t used is the ceiling!
Tell me something about you:
There’s really not much to tell, I’m quite boring in that my entire existence revolves around my glass and occasionally my cat. In my mind, I still have another year or so before I hit 30 and then I might have to be more sensible but till then, I’m living my dream and taking all the opportunities I can to enjoy my work! But if you really want to get some more information about me, my past adventures, or even how I ended up naked in Trafalgar Square in the name of art, them please feel free to contact me via my website, Facebook, Twitter or Etsy!
How many years have you worked with glass?
I have been working with glass in some form or other for about 10 years now. I have a degree in Architectural Glass from Edinburgh College of Art where I graduated in 2007 and I built and opened my own studio in the city in 2009.
What triggers ideas for new projects?
Inspiration for new work broadly falls into two categories; I’ve seen a exhibition or residency or funding call for submission and want to respond directly to that or I have work in mind, whether that’s sculptural or gift related that I simply want to and will make regardless of a destination.
When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me all the time, I’ve never not got at least 3 or 4 new concepts I’m thinking about and wanting the time to realise them. I’ve never and hope I never suffer with lack of ideas or artist’s block.
What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I’m a full time glass artist and this really means 110% of the time. If I’m not in the studio, then I’m working on new designs, ordering materials for new designs, or asleep and dreaming about making new work or flying in the clouds!
Do you create daily?
I try to make daily, this isn’t always the case though, pesky administration takes up far too much time and it necessary evil. I also teach glassmaking in the studio, so sometimes I’m there helping others to create pieces rather than my own. Some days I’m manning a craft fair or other event, trying to sell my wares, which again prevents me from physically making.
How important is it for you to create art?
It’s my life, it’s my outlet, it’s my profession and source of income, it’s what keeps me sane and it’s what feeds the cat (and me on a good day!)
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
It think sacrifice is really the wrong word to use, I’ve always had the determination and drive to achieve what I want, even if that’s meant waiting or putting other things on hold. I have chosen the life I lead and I could very easily stop, get a regular 9-5 office job with a regular salary and regular tasks, if I felt that would make me happy, but I doubt it. I’m fortunate that at this present moment I only have myself and my cat to support, with no desire for a family of my own just yet. If circumstances change them I and my routine would evolve with it.
Describe your studio:
I have a 200 square ft room in an old secondary school building built in the 1930’s just outside Edinburgh. I make it sound glamorous, it isn’t and it’s why there is only photographs of the interior of my room on my Facebook page. When I first took the space, it was an empty room and over 3 months I purpose built it into a kiln and flameworking studio. I have three glass kilns in there, the biggest is a 2mx1m flat bed and the smallest is the beadkiln. Much of what I undertake is kiln work, including screen-printing with enamels and lost wax casting so the three main workbenches reflect those activities. One bench is a 5ft lightbox, steam bed, mold mixing & storage unit, another is a duel size cutting table with a flip down top and the last is a dedicated cold working area with flat disc grinder, ringsaw, pillar drill and other hand tools. Every possible bit of space is used and serves usually more than once function. I think the only space that isn’t used is the ceiling!
Tell me something about you:
There’s really not much to tell, I’m quite boring in that my entire existence revolves around my glass and occasionally my cat. In my mind, I still have another year or so before I hit 30 and then I might have to be more sensible but till then, I’m living my dream and taking all the opportunities I can to enjoy my work! But if you really want to get some more information about me, my past adventures, or even how I ended up naked in Trafalgar Square in the name of art, them please feel free to contact me via my website, Facebook, Twitter or Etsy!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Meet Jen of foolishthings
I am pleased to introduce you to Jen of foolishthings
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/foolishthings
What triggers ideas for new projects?
I dont think anyone ever really knows whats going to trigger a new idea. Sometimes they just drop out of the sky out of nowhere, all ready to go. Other times its like watching a person on a bicycle slowly riding towards you. You have an idea, and it slowly gets closer and closer, from a black speck in distance to right in front of you, ready to attempt- fleshed out enough to try. I got an idea at the tire store the other day, waiting for a rotation. Who knows. . . I get ideas throughout the week (maybe on average 6-8) typically though, these ideas are in other mediums (metalwork, glassblowing, paper), but exploring these other ideas beyond a general sketch isnt typically feasible, afterall, the tools required, and materials neccessary, not to mention my possible lack of any execution skills, prevent me (currently) from trying out.
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Living An artists life isnt a sacrifice, its a risk. The true sacifice is when you dont pursue the ideas, dont try out the direction. A career is a plane ride. When you become an accountant or a dentist, you exit the plane when you land at your destination, its safe. You know where youre going to land, what time, how much yearly salary, so on. Go artisitic, same airplane, but you sky dive mid-flight, jumping right out the bay door, hoping your passion and/or talent open your parachute. You dont kmow where youre going to land, or even if you'll survive the jump. So you may not survive the leap, but the view is so much sweeter.
Describe your work area/studio:
My current workspace is in my dining room. I keep telling myself thats how Martha Stewart started out. And if its not, well I dont wanna know. I'm looking for a more appropriate location, because a minimum distance of 1 mile may be required for me to no longer find glitter specs housewide.
Tell me something about you:
The best thing to know about me is I'm happy. I just turned 40 this year, been married for 13 years, I'm a cancer, hate sour patch kids candy, have never been able to do a cartwheel, not a real drinker, and smoke about 4 cigarettes a day. But I'm trying to quit. Really. But probably not today. I'm not an heiress or independently wealthy, which I'm okay with that. I live in a small beach/surf community surrounded by locals that are too fantastic for words. My kids dont lack for love or life, but I wish our schools were better. I feel good about trying something bigger or different to show them I'm not afraid to try and fail. I've succeeded at plenty, so a little failure isnt going to kill me. I get to talk to great people worldwide, like you, who have their own pocket of the world I get to chat with. I like the community idea.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Meet Yafit Haba of Yafit Glass
Meet Yafit Haba of Yafit Glass
You can visit her shop here:
http://YafitGlassJewelry.etsy.com
How many years have you worked with glass?
I have been working with glass for the last 15 years. I started with stained glass projects and then learned the glass fusing technique. I'm mostly making fused glass projects but I also enjoy doing stained glass projects combining wires, beads, and metal pieces.
What triggers ideas for new projects?
Most of my items are functional pieces. First I think of the functionality of the piece, how it should look, will it be convenient to use? Then I think about the shape of the piece, I make the mold if needed and then create the glass piece. When I think of the design of my piece I sometimes look at some pictures and clip arts and get ideas for elements that I can include.
For some of the projects I got the idea by looking at the pattern of the glass, the transparency and flowing lines. If for example the glass has the colors and flowing patterns of sky or water I’ll use it to combine those elements in my project.
When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come all the time, some fade away very quickly but some become realized. I get ideas from nature, pictures, ceramic and metal sculpting, talking with friends and even from my students. I try to get out of the limitations of the glass fusing process and think of three dimensional projects, I find it more interesting and challenging.
What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I think that all of us as artists live our art, we think about it as we open our eyes in the morning till we fall asleep. When I cook I think about glassware because how the meal is served is part of the desire to eat. When I work in my garden I enjoy the flowers and leaves, I think about garden decorations and how to capture the beauty of nature in glass. I don’t have to be working in my studio to think about my art, it’s happening all the time as art is a process.
Do you create daily?
I try to create daily, although in some days the time flies by and I’m still busy with my family and household duties.
How important is it for you to create art?
The art is part of me, it's a way of expressing myself and a very good way to relax. When I don't create for few days I feel that something is missing. I’ve always enjoyed creating, over the years I learned many techniques with different materials: sawing, crochet, wood working, ceramics, mosaics, painting, glass fusing and stained glass. It’s a pleasure when many things around me and in my house are my creations.
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
I’m a chemical engineer, I was working with plastic materials for years and gained my PhD in this discipline. I don’t work in my profession and I chose the artist life to be able to spend more time with my family and work flexible hours. I could make much more money if I had been working in my profession and as you all know it’s not easy to make a living as an artist. I think the real question is what your priorities in life are and for me my kids and family are first priority. I’m lucky to have my three wonderful kids and lucky to have my husband who support me in this decision. I strongly believe that if I hadn’t been exposed to materials science my art would have been different so there is nothing to regret.
Describe your studio:
My humble studio is located in the garage. I have two kilns, one for big projects and the other is a 'baby' kiln for jewelry and small projects. I have all the basic tools needed for cutting and grinding. I also have ring saw which my dad bought me as a present recently and I just love it! Since I'm also teaching kids and adult workshops I have shelves loaded with glass sheets, glass beads, stringers and frits so people can choose what they need for their project. I decorated my studio with projects I created or were made by my kids in children workshops. Two big tables located in the middle of the room and I tend to keep it busy and messy when I'm not teaching .
I have a big cupboard where I keep all of my pieces ready for sale before I deliver it to local shops that carry my items. It’s definitely not a fancy studio but I love it, this is my place to experiment and create and it’s only mine.
Tell me something about you:
I was born and raised in Israel with a Jewish identity. The art I make is actually who I am and that is why I do a lot of Judaica. There’s a very wide variety of items that can be included under this category: pictures, mezuzahs, holiday plates, candle holders, menorahs, jewelry, home blessings and more. Some of my pieces are two dimensional and some are three dimensional. I enjoy designing new products with new shapes, for example if I make a menorah, it could be either flat or standing. Flat menorahs can have different shapes and designs but even more challenging are the standing menorahs where you have to think how to make it stand stable and long lasting.
To learn more about my art please visit http://www.yafitglass.com/
I have been working with glass for the last 15 years. I started with stained glass projects and then learned the glass fusing technique. I'm mostly making fused glass projects but I also enjoy doing stained glass projects combining wires, beads, and metal pieces.
What triggers ideas for new projects?
Most of my items are functional pieces. First I think of the functionality of the piece, how it should look, will it be convenient to use? Then I think about the shape of the piece, I make the mold if needed and then create the glass piece. When I think of the design of my piece I sometimes look at some pictures and clip arts and get ideas for elements that I can include.
For some of the projects I got the idea by looking at the pattern of the glass, the transparency and flowing lines. If for example the glass has the colors and flowing patterns of sky or water I’ll use it to combine those elements in my project.
When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come all the time, some fade away very quickly but some become realized. I get ideas from nature, pictures, ceramic and metal sculpting, talking with friends and even from my students. I try to get out of the limitations of the glass fusing process and think of three dimensional projects, I find it more interesting and challenging.
What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I think that all of us as artists live our art, we think about it as we open our eyes in the morning till we fall asleep. When I cook I think about glassware because how the meal is served is part of the desire to eat. When I work in my garden I enjoy the flowers and leaves, I think about garden decorations and how to capture the beauty of nature in glass. I don’t have to be working in my studio to think about my art, it’s happening all the time as art is a process.
Do you create daily?
I try to create daily, although in some days the time flies by and I’m still busy with my family and household duties.
How important is it for you to create art?
The art is part of me, it's a way of expressing myself and a very good way to relax. When I don't create for few days I feel that something is missing. I’ve always enjoyed creating, over the years I learned many techniques with different materials: sawing, crochet, wood working, ceramics, mosaics, painting, glass fusing and stained glass. It’s a pleasure when many things around me and in my house are my creations.
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
I’m a chemical engineer, I was working with plastic materials for years and gained my PhD in this discipline. I don’t work in my profession and I chose the artist life to be able to spend more time with my family and work flexible hours. I could make much more money if I had been working in my profession and as you all know it’s not easy to make a living as an artist. I think the real question is what your priorities in life are and for me my kids and family are first priority. I’m lucky to have my three wonderful kids and lucky to have my husband who support me in this decision. I strongly believe that if I hadn’t been exposed to materials science my art would have been different so there is nothing to regret.
Describe your studio:
My humble studio is located in the garage. I have two kilns, one for big projects and the other is a 'baby' kiln for jewelry and small projects. I have all the basic tools needed for cutting and grinding. I also have ring saw which my dad bought me as a present recently and I just love it! Since I'm also teaching kids and adult workshops I have shelves loaded with glass sheets, glass beads, stringers and frits so people can choose what they need for their project. I decorated my studio with projects I created or were made by my kids in children workshops. Two big tables located in the middle of the room and I tend to keep it busy and messy when I'm not teaching .
I have a big cupboard where I keep all of my pieces ready for sale before I deliver it to local shops that carry my items. It’s definitely not a fancy studio but I love it, this is my place to experiment and create and it’s only mine.
Tell me something about you:
I was born and raised in Israel with a Jewish identity. The art I make is actually who I am and that is why I do a lot of Judaica. There’s a very wide variety of items that can be included under this category: pictures, mezuzahs, holiday plates, candle holders, menorahs, jewelry, home blessings and more. Some of my pieces are two dimensional and some are three dimensional. I enjoy designing new products with new shapes, for example if I make a menorah, it could be either flat or standing. Flat menorahs can have different shapes and designs but even more challenging are the standing menorahs where you have to think how to make it stand stable and long lasting.
To learn more about my art please visit http://www.yafitglass.com/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Meet Linda of Stained Glass by Nonnie
Meet Linda of Stained Glass by Nonnie
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/nonnie62
How many years have you worked with glass?
I have worked with glass for 5 years.
What triggers ideas for new projects?
Ideas come from nature, a song, a painting, especially the great masters. My favorite thing to do is find a portrait by the great masters and execute it in stained glass. My first glass portrait was "Girl with a Pearl Earrings" (Vermeer, Dutch 16th century), which I did for my daughter for Christmas. It's an 20" x 26" panel, which hangs from a custom-made stand, similar in design to a quilt rack.
When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me all hours of the day, several times a week. Most of the time I'm at work and can't do anything about it, so I keep a journal where I write down the idea/thought and later go back and elaborate.
What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I obsess about my art, and I think of it about 75% of the day. I even dream about it.
Do you create daily?
I create daily. I'm either thinking about a design, drafting a design, refining a design, making a pattern, or executing the design in stained glass.
How important is it for you to create art?
It is absolutely essential for me to create art. It's like breathing. It's necessary for me to live. when I'm not creating, I'm out of sorts, grumpy, and just generally miserable.
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Choosing the artist's life has been a blessing, a calming influence, a stabilizing, energizing force. NOT a sacrifice.
Describe your studio:
My studio is two parts -- the creating part is my office, a big art table, good light, lots of pencils, pens, watercolors, chalk, sewing supplies, ribbon, craft supplies. My workshop is the physical place where I transform my ideas into stained glass. Here I have lots of glass stored in racks so I can just go to the inventory and pick something. I have my grinder, my polisher, my power tools (chop saw, mitre saw, router, sander), hand tools, glass-making supplies.
Tell me something about you:
I am a married mother of two grown children. I work full-time in the field of science, so my right/left brain conflicts all the time. I am a dreamer. I love challenges, and there isn't one challenge so far in my life I haven't met and exceeded. I plan to retire in a few months and do stained glass all the time as well as manage my two etsy shops. I live in central PA, but grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
You can visit her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/nonnie62
How many years have you worked with glass?
I have worked with glass for 5 years.
What triggers ideas for new projects?
Ideas come from nature, a song, a painting, especially the great masters. My favorite thing to do is find a portrait by the great masters and execute it in stained glass. My first glass portrait was "Girl with a Pearl Earrings" (Vermeer, Dutch 16th century), which I did for my daughter for Christmas. It's an 20" x 26" panel, which hangs from a custom-made stand, similar in design to a quilt rack.
When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me all hours of the day, several times a week. Most of the time I'm at work and can't do anything about it, so I keep a journal where I write down the idea/thought and later go back and elaborate.
What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I obsess about my art, and I think of it about 75% of the day. I even dream about it.
Do you create daily?
I create daily. I'm either thinking about a design, drafting a design, refining a design, making a pattern, or executing the design in stained glass.
How important is it for you to create art?
It is absolutely essential for me to create art. It's like breathing. It's necessary for me to live. when I'm not creating, I'm out of sorts, grumpy, and just generally miserable.
Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice?
Choosing the artist's life has been a blessing, a calming influence, a stabilizing, energizing force. NOT a sacrifice.
Describe your studio:
My studio is two parts -- the creating part is my office, a big art table, good light, lots of pencils, pens, watercolors, chalk, sewing supplies, ribbon, craft supplies. My workshop is the physical place where I transform my ideas into stained glass. Here I have lots of glass stored in racks so I can just go to the inventory and pick something. I have my grinder, my polisher, my power tools (chop saw, mitre saw, router, sander), hand tools, glass-making supplies.
Tell me something about you:
I am a married mother of two grown children. I work full-time in the field of science, so my right/left brain conflicts all the time. I am a dreamer. I love challenges, and there isn't one challenge so far in my life I haven't met and exceeded. I plan to retire in a few months and do stained glass all the time as well as manage my two etsy shops. I live in central PA, but grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
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