My father bought me my first paperweight at the tender age of six.
It left such an impression on me. I remember holding the treasure up to the light and being in awe of the small suspended scene of flowers, vines, and large bubbles gracing the center of each blossom. From that moment on I became enamored by art glass. Little did I know then that my love for glass art would shape my future.
Fast forward... Art came naturally for me. By the age of nineteen, my specialty was wildlife, botanical, and human anatomy illustration. I was fortunate to have such a precious gift, but I struggled to understand what to do with it. The only fact that was certain in my mind was that personal expression of art was as essential as breathing for me. As years passed, I made the decision to pass on partial art scholarships in pursuit of a more traditional business career as a corporate consultant and trainer. For fifteen years all my artistic skills were shelved as I worked a hectic 60 hour work week and attended college. It was an endurance marathon I will never regret, nor forget. It shaped my character.
Then it began to happen... the artist in me awoke from slumber.
During this intense time in my life I found myself returning to my artistic roots. I remembered how it quieted my mind and centered me. I remember picking up the paint brush again for the first time. To be honest, I wondered if I could even do any of it again after the passing of so much time. I was amazed that the skills never left my hands. Instead, I discovered that the work matured. Perspective and scale were less of a struggle. Interesting discovery.
I thought what a wonderful outlet to have. I did not know that the floodgate door was just released. Years of suppressed expression just poured over all areas of my life. Database development began to reflect the artistic flair of graphic art and subtle color schemes. Long conversations in board rooms were turning into a study of facial features and emotional to be captured on canvas. Scenic views during daily commute routine were now studies of landscape symmetry and light upon the city skyline. This "pull" would eventually bring me to the artistic destiny I cast aside many years ago.
How flameworking found me...
In 2001 while searching the Internet for a new piece of glass art , I stumbled upon a beautiful photo of a glass sphere packed full of flowers. However, I noticed that their seemed to be a hole going right through the center. A closer examination revealed that it was a very large photo of a little BEAD ! Within a second, something in me just snapped. I knew I could figure out how to do this. On blind faith, I purchased basic start up tools, equipment, glass and had a little Amish pine cabin studio built. I continued to purchase raw materials for the next three years, and longing for the day when I could begin to create in my new medium of choice, sand & fire.
My first studio was finished by the fall of 2004. All raw materials & tools stored away for years finally saw sunlight and the torch was running for the first time. The level of joy felt while setting up my little shop was immeasurable. I went to work at the torch bench for years allowing the glass to be my only instructor. Studio product lines were developed and sales increased, affording me the ability to work as a full time independent artist. Once my full attention was devoted to developing new techniques, my floral designs truly began to develop into some of my most beautiful works. Each one takes me at least 2-6 hours minimum in the flame to create!
The puzzle pieces come together ...
I am still in awe of how everything fits together. Looking back, I can see how the traditional career path prepared me for my own business. Systems analysis skills equipped me to independently wrap my mind around how glass flows. Not having a rule book or procedures handed to me with a new section of software taught me to study subject matter carefully for answers. After all, barriers are only temporary gaps of understanding. Being entrusted with the responsibility of developing departmental workflows left me equipped with thinking of everything one would need to complete a process from start to finish, with the understanding that my glass handling system would be taught to others. Working hand in hand with other trainers reminds me now to reach out to others for technical assistance unashamed. Years of serving as a corporate trainer for groups of up to 200 equipped me to train others in flameworking. Exposure to many personality types left me very comfortable with others and myself. These thoughts just go on and on.
When my glass business and the glass itself became my new assignment, I was left in a comfortable place full of new excitement and mystery. I know how to be at peace in the uncomfortable place of uncharted oceans. It is a familiar sweet place for me. I have learned through all of this that God places a gift inside of every persons heart. You may attempt to abandon it forever, only as much as you can attempt to hold your breath. Eventually you will exhale and yield for another breath. I have concluded that artists need to create in order to be whole. Just breathe.
The Artistic Vision...
I see the whole world as a beautiful painting pending completion... and my flameworking career is one stroke on my personal partially completed canvas. Beads and marbles are wonderful little captured moments of time sealed within crystal clear bliss, never to fade nor decay... forever preserved for generations to behold. But they are only one stroke of the brush. My restless soul is pulling me into other directions. My minds eye visualizes very large ornate compotes, bowls, vessels, and goblets that capture and honor all the Venetian technique & charm of the old world, yet possess a slight contemporary edge that utilizes all my existing expression in glass. I feel overwhelmed with how many new skills I must acquire to birth the vision. In time, the combination of techniques will be spun into my glass confection dreams. I have sketched hundreds of illustrations. Who knows how long it will take to turn my paper dreams into reality, or even if I will ever obtain them all... but the joy of the journey is where true happiness can be found. Hard work, the practice of excellence, persistence, patience and passion for the flame is essential. Although it will take my entire life to fulfill only one aspect of my vision, I have found my destiny and enjoy every minute of running my business and helping others reach their own goals.
With that said, whatever beauty you may at those rare times glimpse in my work, I accredit it to Jesus Christ & the talent God blessed me with. Yes, yes... nothing falls on you out of the sky without a whole lot of hard work mixed into the equation as well! I love and acknowledge Him because he first loved & proudly acknowledged me to the Father boldly unashamed.
~ Starleen
May 26th 2006 1:30 AM
" Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie. Though it tarry, WAIT for it, because it will surely come". ~ Habakkuk 2.2 KJV Bible
