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“Creativity takes courage” − Henri Matisse − |
I began working with fused and kiln formed glass in 2000 at a friend’s studio in Washington State, where I traveled twice a year on vacation to learn and create. Friends and family encouraged my growing passion and what started as a summertime hobby, blossomed into a full time career. Kipuka Glass was born as a result in 2007 out of my basement studio.
My family’s love of Hawaii inspired my company name, Kipuka Glass. A kipuka is an island of land that survives a volcanic eruption when lava flows around it; so where there is massive destruction, there is a tiny oasis of hope and renewal. Kipuka Glass is my “oasis”, a place I find joy and pleasure at watching nature come to life in glass.
As an artist specializing in fused and kiln-formed glass, my work is a heartfelt dialogue between the raw beauty of nature and the transformative power of glass. I draw profound inspiration from the world around me—particularly from the intricacies of nature, the grace of animals, the elegance of birds, the delicate structure of feathers, and the vibrant hues of fall leaves. Horses, with their majestic strength and serene presence, also hold a special place in my creative expression.
Each piece I create is a testament to the natural world's inherent beauty, aiming to evoke emotions of joy, peacefulness, and inspiration in those who encounter my work. I strive to bring the enchanting elements of nature into everyday spaces, creating a bridge between the viewer and the serene moments found in the natural world.
My artistic journey is one of continual exploration and reverence for nature. It is my hope that through my glass art, individuals can experience a moment of stillness and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us, fostering a deeper connection to the world we inhabit.