Meet Linda Turvey of Studio17!!!

I am pleased to introduce you to Linda Turvey of Studio17.

You can visit her wonderful etsy shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5004773


Below is my interview with this talented artist:


How many years have you been an artist?
I’ve always considered myself a glass craftsman when someone asks me this question. I’m still exploring and experimenting pushing the boundaries to see how far the beautiful magical world of glass can take me.

How many years have your worked with glass?
It all started over 25 years ago. The journey began with the copper foil stained glass technique. Mosaics then piqued my curiosity and now kiln work. It’s been a rewarding time.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
It could be almost anything, something I’ve seen in passing, a picture, and especially talking with others.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Ideas come to me at the oddest times, mostly when I’m having a quite moment to myself. My creative mind is always working especially when I’m involved with a project, or someone needs help with a idea.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art?
I’m limited to the evenings to work on my art, or to teach the classes I have. By day I’m a engraver, it too is very creative for me.

Do you create daily?
Yes I do I’ve always got projects on the table, and am in the studio every evening and full days on the weekend.

How important is it for you to create art?
My art is my way to unwind from my hectic schedule. I get lost in time when I’m creating it’s very relaxing for me. Every once in a while I have to step back, but it’s more catching up on sleep than anything.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice? Have you given up certain luxuries?
Not at all, I’m fortunate that my husband and family supports what I’m doing and understand the goals I’ve set and are helping me achieve them. With teaching I’ve met and shared my passion for glass and been able to start my students on their journey with glass.

Describe your studio.
My studio is the basement of my home. I have two rooms set up. The main area is my working space. A big table sits in the center of the room for working on. Around the perimeter of the room are shelves, benches and cupboards for all my tools of the trade. I’m forever re-organizing things to make my space efficient to working in. I tell my students don’t get use to that being there because it might not be there next week. I’ve also have a computer, TV, DVD and radio in this space. I have a room off the main studio that holds all my glass and mosaic supplies.

Tell me something about you.
I live in Southern Ontario, Canada. My SO and I have been together 27 years, in 2007 we decided to get married. Our DD and SIL are in the process of a International Adoption, we’re all very excited about this, and I’m waiting patiently for the day I can hold my Grandchild.
I also enjoy gardening, and reading. I’m constantly researching to find new ways to work with glass and take classes my self in areas that interest me.

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am offering a new giveaway. It is being featured on another blog. Make sure you sign up!
http://vermillionrules.blogspot.com/

Check Out this GREAT Etsy Artist Stacey Reed

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5267803

Stacey Reed of JS GLASS ART was kind enough to grant me an interview.
Make sure you check out her store (see the link to her store)

How many years have you been an artist?
Maybe in the last five years, or so, I’ve considered myself good enough to be called an artist.

How many years have you worked with glass?
9 years. Like many people doing kiln work, my first introduction to glasswork was through stained glass. I started doing kiln work within two months of learning stained glass.

What triggers ideas for new projects?
My brain thinks more mechanically than artistically. If I see something interesting in some other medium I’ll automatically start thinking of how I can create it in glass. I enjoy the manipulation of glass more than making sure it’s artistically pleasing.

When do ideas come to you? How often?
Most of my ideas come to me while I’m working with the glass. A lot of the time the piece I’m working on will come out differently than what I originally intended because of a new idea popping into my head. I’ll also get a great idea just as I’m falling asleep, unfortunately, I won’t remember it when I wake up.

What percentage of the day do you think about or work on your art? Depending on the season. In the summer it’s common for me to get in the studio first thing in the morning and work until dark. In the winter I usually wait for it to warm up a bit before going out. It can get pretty cold in there.

Do you create daily?
No. I do need to take time off. Usually it’s just a day here and there, but sometimes I need a whole week. If I’m working on a technique, or trying to figure out a problem, I can get a bit obsessive about it and will need the time off to regenerate.

How important is it for you to create art?
Very important. I’ve always felt the need to create. A physical need. My hands get restless if I go too long without creating something.

Do you feel that choosing the artist’s life has been a sacrifice? Have you given up certain luxuries?
No. I’ve been lucky in that I have the resources to be able to work on glass full time.

Describe your studio.
My studio is in my garage. A very small garage. I’ve done well in utilizing my space, but I still need something larger. I’m forced to work out of a smaller kiln and it’s very frustrating since I learned to work large. I have a large kiln I can’t even use.

Tell me something about you.
I live in Northern California/Silicon Valley. I have a 25 year old son who recently married. I’ve been with my SO for over 15 years. My dream is to live on a property large enough to plant enough food to be self sustaining, and I would need a huge studio on this property. Solar powered, of course. It seems the older I get the more my inner hippie surfaces and I’m fine with that.

Pumpkins, Spiders, Oh My!

Halloween is approaching. I have started making some pendants in that theme. They are so much fun to make! You can find my jewelry on Etsy (see shop information below).

My entry to the CGGE Contest

Title: Kauai, Hawaii
Artist: Yvonne
This is where my hubby and I went for our 1st vacation without kids in over 10 years. It was the most beautiful and romantic spot. I thought it was perfect for the summer challenge because it was a summer vacation that I will always remember.

CGGE Monthly Contest
This is my entry to the August Summer Challenge

Dreaming Of Fall

"There is nothing quite like a fall day.
The cool crisp air, pumpkins in the fields,
and playing in the leaves.
The smile on your face can warm a chilly day."
Author: unknown




My new listing on Etsy is the Pumpkin Pendant & Earrings Set.
It has me dreaming of fall. I love fall. I miss experiencing it in Upstate NY (where I grew up). While it cools off here, we do not have the gorgeous fall colors. I miss going to the apple cider mill, eating freshly made donuts and drinking hot apple cider. The fall leaves are such a thing of beauty.
Don't get me wrong, I truly love living in Florida. I love seeing the sun shine every day. I love wearing one wardrobe year round, as opposed to seasonal clothing. I love the tropical climate.
It is just fall that I miss. I guess, I should start going North in the fall. We vacation every October. Funny how our vacations are always centered around even warmer climates than ours (Caribbean, Hawaii, etc). My hubby is a Florida boy and he is not fond of the cold. I may break him of that some day. LOL. We have been married 15 years and I have not managed that yet.
Well enough rambling, I have more glass to create....
~Yvonne~

Earrings

This week it's all about the earrings----my newest addition to my Etsy store.

Today's Mantra:

Have the courage to act on your dreams - leave behind you the internal forces that hold you back.

Three things I am grateful for today:

Our swimming Pool

CGGE

Coffee---lots of coffee

pendants and more pendants.....

New pendants listed in my etsy store.