La Crosse 2017, the free public arts program returns this weekend June 9th & 10th Unfortunately, I won't be in town but if you are, put ARTSPIRE on your list of things to do. You won't be disappointed. Area visual, literary and performing arts will be both in the Arts District and Downtown. Cultural experiences for all ages. You can click on past blog entries below.
Today, meet Laurel Grey, one of the glass artists who will also have a booth again at ARTSPIRE this year. It was indeed a treat visiting her home studio where her fur babies keep her company while she hones her glass craft. Laurel attributes her interest in glass to her early years living in Japan as a military child. Obviously the intense glow of those hot ovens where the glass was fired in the glass district left a lifelong impression and imprint for a lifelong hobby and labor of love.
Originally I was introduced to Laurel's work at another artist's home show where I bought an engagement/wedding gift of Laurel's embellished wine glasses. Even the packaging had a special glass touch.
Since then Laurel has continued to expand her glass techniques and knowledge through the internet, other glass artists's workshops and their experiences. And my, has her work transformed.Below Laurel is removing a grouping of leaves from the kiln each has been hand painted with layers of paint before being baked. Now, each will need to be washed and polished before they will become part of one of the many projects for this summer's upcoming shows/custom orders.
An ongoing transformation with her leaves are called Falling Leaf Strands with interwoven silver beads from Bali. Sometimes you might even spot Lake Michigan finds such as beach glass/ driftwood/ stone with the strands varying in length. These would add a special touch to any window/wall. Each combination makes quite a statement. 
If you'd like something smaller there are also glass birds for your flower pots. Colored odd glass pieces were the inspiration for these bird/fish pot ornaments. The fusion of layers create an interesting multidimensional aspect. Laurel is playing with incorporating photography into some of her projects and the results are impressive.
 |
| This is the type of fly I'd rather have on my wall... |
And now she's even playing around with lighting for those stained glass panels...
So go see for yourself. And as I always say, go support your local artists.
*Check out Laurel Grey Glassworks on FaceBook.
Links to previous ARTSPIRE blog entries :
ARTSPIRE 2016
No comments:
Post a Comment