What is so special about “hand-made” objects?   The story.   This is the quality we appreciate most in a modern world of mass-produced everythings.  As collectors and as makers, its value is the characteristic of the object and where it came from, the process.

As a glassmaker, my hands are my most precious tools, although sometimes they get abused with wear & tear and occasional injury.   Look at any artist ‘s hands and they could speak volumes.

I attended 2 inspiring lectures yesterday at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.  Read more…

I love people.   I love art.  I love light. I use my skills to bring them all together.  Inspired by a creative vision, I just see the glass and light coming together.   The final product is literally a process of blood, sweat, and a lot of juggling.

Behind the scenes at Studio Illuminata…. This past week was a push to coordinate all that is needed to ship a complicated light fixture with more than 250 parts to New York.

Once the project is approved, I am in action speaking with welders, glassmakers, metal finishers, UL wiring shops, ordering color, fittings, findings and materials.

WIth the team of glassblowers in place, and furnaces booked, we work with the intention of convincing this 2100F molten lava to become a chandelier.      Down to the last minute when the custom crates arrived to pack, I was putting the finishing touches on the piece.

The illuminated glass will sparkle and shine and in the end that is all that matters.  Art is made.  I am a maker.

Stay tuned on my webpage for final installation photos from NYC.
Have an inspired day!

– Julie

Beginner’s mind…

I think it is healthy to deconstruct one’s patterns and replace them with new fresh perspectives.  That is exactly what (unexpectedly) happened while taking a glass workshop with Maestro Roger Parramore.  I spent 4 days completely revisiting how I make glass–literally, with new hand techniques and skills; and creatively, with new inspirations and aspirations.

Roger’s teachings brought glass to a new level for me.  Although I have been aware that I am part of the deep lineage of glassmakers for 5000 years of it’s existence, Silicon Dioxide the elements of glass have been around for billions of years.  It is more alchemical and mystical than I thought.

Read more…