Since I was a little girl, I’ve always known I wanted to be an artist. Early on, I wasn’t sure if I had any real talent, but I did have a strong desire to draw and do arts and crafts projects. Since then, I’ve learned that creativity, imagination and artistic talent can be taught and learned. You just have to want it.
My humble beginnings were rough. I’ve had many artistic endeavors go wrong. The key to success is perseverance and a positive attitude even in the event of failure. What I believe to be my earliest surviving piece of art has a lot to teach us about the value of persistence and the power of optimism.
Can you guess who would’ve kept my first piece for all these years? My mother of course. I recently reclaimed the ugly, but endearing ceramic bunny refusing to let it get tossed in the trash after enduring so long. Look closely at the ears. They’ve been glued back on more than once. That’s love.
This funny little guy has a story. When I was a Brownie, our troop would occasionally do arts and crafts projects. It was the dead of Winter. Everyone was wishing for Spring. And so, the troop leaders thought it would be fun for us girls to make ceramic bunnies to welcome the milder weather. A paint-your-own-pottery store owner brought all the supplies to our meeting. She explained how to paint the glazes on the clay. She laid out all the pretty spring colors: pink, yellow, orange, blue and green. The bottles were labeled but the glazes looked nothing like the colors written on the labels. They were all slightly different shades of brown. She said we had to use our imagination to picture the finished pieces. She wasn’t kidding.
She also made a special glaze available in case anyone wanted a bumpy textured effect on their bunny’s egg. Of course, everyone did. After the meeting she loaded the brown colored bunnies in newspaper lined boxes and toted them away. She promised to bring them back, in all their colorful glory, at next month’s meeting.
I remember being super excited about seeing my sunshine yellow bunny with powder puff pink ears holding a sky blue egg. Apparently, the bottles of glaze weren’t labeled correctly. All the bunnies came back forest green. I don’t know how the troop leaders handled the mix up, but we never painted pottery again.
You can imagine how disappointed I was. My bunny didn’t look the way I hoped. I’m surprised I didn’t throw it away then. It’s unlikely I’d even remember the whole disastrous event if the little guy didn’t remind me every time I visited home. But he sat quietly and proudly on a prominent book shelf in mom’s living room year after year. Now I have a soft spot for the little rebel rabbit who broke tradition. He’s beautiful in his own unique way like the rest of us trail blazers who break the rules.
I painted this Indian Chief when I was in high school. It’s watercolor on paper and measures about 18 x 24 inches. It was inspired by a photograph I saw in a book. This piece of art belongs to my brother. I see it rarely. Every time though, I’m amazed to see my name on the bottom. I guess I did have some talent back then. It didn’t just blossom with maturity and adulthood. Sometimes, it takes a fresh perspective to appreciate yourself and your accomplishments.
Here’s another painting from my high school days. This Norman Rockwell inspired watercolor on poster board is still one of my husband’s favorites. He keeps it on his desk.
In college I painted this woman’s face. It’s oil paint on canvas and measures 28 x 36 inches. It was inspired by an image I saw on a greeting card. This piece hangs in my home. I get to see it every day and yet it still manages to stay fresh and encourages me to continue making art.
The lesson here is never give up. I look at my ugly green bunny and feel a sense of awe. He’s proof that my artistic skills have come a long way. I’ve met many creative goals. It wasn’t always easy, but challenges make your successes that much sweeter.
Be kind to yourself. Keep trying. Always, push ahead!
No matter where you are in your artistic journey, you’re doing great!
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
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Make a Fused Glass Sink Webinar, August 27, 2020
Creating a stunning dichroic glass sink is easy when you know how!
In this comprehensive Webinar, I’ll guide you step by step through the time-tested processes I use to make large-scale, functional vessels.
You’ll learn safe handling techniques for cutting oversized circles, how to fuse and slump thick pieces to retain consistent bowl height, plus trade-secrets for worry free drilling.
In addition to fabrication know-how, you’ll receive a complete supply list, specifics on kiln requirements, source information for the slumping mold and drill kit, as well as helpful installation tips.
With all the professional tricks revealed, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to make your own dazzling beauty.
Wait…there’s more!
In addition, I’ll demonstrate how to make a glittering dichroic sink. I’ll also show you how to make a cast glass sink from nipped glass pieces, dichroic bits and frit. Plus, you’ll be guided through the various cold-working steps I use to finish the cast glass sink edge to a glamorous, professional, quality polish.
New Date!
Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop
November 10-13, 2020
Register today!
Only 2 seats available. Register here
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
This is the turning-point workshop you’ve been waiting for.
It’s hard to describe what it’s like when I’m feeling the creative flow. Time flies. Hours pass in what I thought were minutes. My naturally distracted mind is focused on what my hands are doing, and nothing else. I get lost in my own world. When I return to reality, I feel rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted. That’s why I like sharing my studio space with others. I try to give them that experience and hope they feel the same inspiration and fulfillment I do. -Lisa
This class is for you! Any skill level can attend. Beginner, intermediate and advanced students alike will learn how to advance their glass fusing skills and expand their artistic style.
Join me and I’ll show you all the pro tips and tricks I use to make stunning 3-dimnesional art. You’ll learn how to combine advanced techniques in new ways to create extraordinary sculptural pieces of art.
You’ll leave class with several completed glass sculptures, my custom firing guides and a deeper understanding of sculptural fused glass fabrication. You’ll have the knowledge, confidence and inspiration you’ve been craving to take your artwork to the next level.
Materials are included, that’s a $150.00 value! Plus, a professional photo shoot of your artwork is also included.
Here’s what the students are saying about the workshop.
“Instruction was clear, help was always available, and Lisa’s explanation of the equipment was great.” -Sherry
“My favorite thing about the class was the friendly atmosphere that encouraged open thoughts and sharing ideas.” -Lyn
“I enjoyed making all the projects, especially the flow piece and the freedom to be creative with our work.” -Joy
“My favorite thing about the class was the ability to see multiple pieces of art that originated from concepts taught.” -Vicki
“Lisa is very professional, knowledgeable and freakishly talented. House, art, mosaic, her work – really fun and beautiful.” -Lorna
“Incredible class. Lisa shared her artistic knowledge of color flow and her technical knowledge of glass.” -Larry
“I had so much fun! Lisa is a great teacher!” -Brenda
Things that surprised the students about the class.
“I was surprised by the photo booth demo-it was very helpful.” -Joy
“I was surprised by the limitless glass we had access to, for our projects.” -Lyn
“The valuable education on glass art photography surprised me.” -Sherry
“I was surprised by the hominess of your hospitality!” -Vicki
Watch it NOW! Start fusing today!
Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.
Check out my eBooks for elegant patterns and detailed fusing instructions.
