It was the Right Decision!

Oh, to go, to go, or not to go that was the question. “Go where?” you ask. In 2009 like a lightning bolt from the sky, I received an email from Steve Klein, to ask whether or not I was interested in joining several other glass artists at Pilchuck for a week residency. In that case, there was no question. After gathering myself off the floor, I jumped up and down and said “Yes, Yes, I will go!

Six and a half hours through the air, I arrived in Seattle and began my trek to Pilchuck Glass School. It was a wonderful experience. Now, in 2011, I haven’t seen any of these people in almost 2 years!

But, what happened there and what happened at the next session of 2010, (I wasn’t able to go to because it was the exact same weekend as Michael and Dianne’s wedding,) became the subject for a show at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, WA. Actually, it didn’t just happen; Steve Klein and Richard Parrish worked hard to make it happen. I don’t know all the details, hand wringing, sleepless nights, or arm twisting that went into the whole thing. All I know is that Steve and Richard strongly encouraged me to submit some work for the show and miraculously a show came together. Actually, I do know that Steve, Richard, Kathleen Moles of MoNA, and Lani McGregor of Bullseye, were all working very hard on making all of our dreams come true. I also know that there were many other little elves involved.

So the question was, “Do I go? Do I take the time and expense to travel to the other side of the continent for an opening? I haven’t seen these people in almost 2 years, some I have never met. Even then I had only been with them for a week.” I decided to go. For some reason, I had a feeling that it was important. I had a feeling that I would be so glad that I did go. I don’t know, I thought that these were my people. They spoke a similar language. So off I flew, and then drove an hour and forty-five minutes to the cutest little town of LaConner, Washington.

I couldn’t have imagined the affection that I felt as I hugged each of my past residency partners and even a few who I only knew through Facebook from the 2010 group. As each day and event passed it only reinforced that my decision was right. I had made the right decision. The group was nurturing, encouraging, and most of all great fun to be around. It was just wonderful to see everyone and everyone felt the same way! All I can really say at this point is “THANK YOU”.

I AM READY FOR THE NEXT TIME!

It’s funny how long it takes ideas and directions to coalesce into action.  I feel like I am still working on the bits and pieces of information, inspiration, technique, and enthusiasm that surrounded me in 2009.  At the time I was like hard packed earth unable to absorb all the life giving rain but as it sat there on the surface it began to percolate down to nourish that tiny flame.  It just needed to wait until I was ready to receive it.  Not only have I gained from the actual time at Pilchuck but I have also gained in the community of artists that it created. This group continues to be a source of information and encouragement and I look forward to future collaborations. 

This is an experimental piece "Maps".  I am working with the concept of the wafers.  I love how thin and fragile they are and misty and foggy, like memories.

In 2009 I was invited to participate in Pilchuck's first Professional Artists in Residency (PAIR) week led by Steve Klein and Richard Parrish both excellent artists working with fused glass. The experience was so enjoyable and successful that they decided to do it again in 2010. Sadly I couldn't go but the reason was wonderful, our son got married. Anyway, there had been talk of a show coming together illustrating the work that came out of these two workshops. I really felt that since I wasn't able to participate in the 2nd week, I wouldn't be able to join them. I was so wrong. Both Richard and Steve encouraged me to get my act together and submit work for the show. I did and they accepted 3 pieces. I couldn't be happier!


I wasn't sure I was going to go to the opening. One complication was that I am also participating in a 3 person show at the Kittrell/Riffkind gallery opening the very same day, March 12, 2011! Also, I could drive to Kittrell/Riffkind, they are in Dallas, but La Conner, Washington, is a bit far. But I ultimately decided to go.

Act 2: The next Track, will be at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner Washington. Bullseye Glass has been main sponsor of the entire thing, their generosity has been amazing. This is a video that shows many slides of the work coming out of the show. http://www.bullseyeglass.com/weblog/ . Also you can learn more about the work in the show at the website of MONA, http://www.museumofnwart.org/index.php?page=upcoming-exhibitions&exhibID=40
 
This is one of the pieces that was accepted into the show.  It is called  "On the right track"  It includes a small wafter of glass that has been one of the inspirations of the workshops.  Even now I am continuing to work in the direction of the wafers. 

From Now on

From now on, this blog will be only about glass, my work, the work of others, and my inspirations etc.