I am obsessed with glass, whether it is molten, hot, cold, stained or formed into an object. I dream of glass and beads. The colors and sparkle, shapes and textures, all of it is exciting to me. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and an idea pops into my head and I have to get up and write it down so I don't forget! I usually don't set out knowing exactly what my work is going to look like, but am most comfortable watching where the glass and flame take me, much like getting into a trance. If other people end up liking my work, it's an added bonus. I am not saying this is the best and only way to approach creation, it's just the way I work and produce best, and I've discovered through my own experience that my work speaks most clearly when I let it speak on its own. I spend a lot of time in solitude, with my creations as my only companions, when others spend the day with co-workers. Sometimes others perceive this solitary creation as depressing or weird, especailly since I live in Alaska. In some ways it's more difficult and unpredictable, but I find it much more rewarding, and it seems to be working for me. Many people do not understand that the work involved is equally, if not more time consuming, than going to a daily "job," but the rewards are so much greater. The best advice I could give to others who wish to pursue their dream is follow your feelings and listen to yourself, and when you let it "happen", it happens much sooner.
Thanks for following me on my journey and for supporting my art. Without my faithful customers, I could not be here. I am eternally grateful to you and for everyone who has helped me on my way. Enjoy your look around in my world. ~Donna~
