Each month Lampwork Web will feature a new lampwork artist! The feature will include information about the artist, an interview, photos of their work and links to their website and auctions.

November 2006

All Past Featured Artists Here

Tell us a little about yourself: Lyn has certainly worn many hats over the years. Her experience spans from a degree in pre-veterinarian animal sciences to an Olympic Level Dressage competitor. She has also been a dog trainer, an author, and has also worked in management and realty. But her real passion is in being a glass artist.

How long have you been lampworking? Almost 2 years

What is your favorite type of glass to work with? Effetre, Vetrofond, CIM, Kugler, Lauscha

Do you have a signature bead or design? A style you are known for?

Lyn is known for a couple of unique things in the lampworking world, recently she has become known for her twisties that she makes for other lampworkers! My new nom de plum is the "Twistie Queen", as I have recently found a niche creating Custom Lampworking twisties for my fellow lampworkers. I enjoy the work immensely, and my fellow lampworkers appreciate that they can concentrate on less prep work and more bead creation time! You can find info on how to order my Twisties here: www.artemislampwork.com/twisties.htm

Lyn is most known for her beautiful handmade colors of glass! She takes the time to hand mix colors to use in her designs. This gives her beads unique one of a kind colors. Making colors by hand takes lots of extra time, but appears well worth the efforts as her results are beautiful! Below is an example of a set she created with her handmade colors:

Is there anything/anyone special that influences your work? Gives you inspiration? Lyn's inspiration comes from many worthwhile sources including nature and "Amazoo, because of her bright colors and innovative shapes. Corina, because of her teeny tiny beads with such amazing detail. Kimberly Affleck, because of her amazing use of twisty and stringer. Plum Loco Designs, because she thinks way outside the box and has a fertile and fun imagination. Last, but not least, Amy Caswell's adorable animals, I think her beads were one of my primary inspirations originally.

What is the longest time you have spent making one bead? Over 1.5 hours and the darn thing CRACKED at the top! Ouch!

Some of Lyn's work:

What is your favorite part about making beads? The solitude and introspection time it provides.

Do you also make jewelry with your beads? Any favorite pieces? Lyn makes lots of lovely jewelry, some of it can be seen here on her website!

Any advice for lampwork bead shoppers? Look for Lampworkers who use SRA after their name or in their Auction Titles. SRA denotes Self Representing Artists who create their own beads, one at a time, in their studios, and rarely if ever is one bead exactly like another. All their beads are fully annealed and properly cleaned for maximum beauty, and years of enjoyment. Avoid the Chinese import beads, as many if not most are made in sweatshop conditions and not cleaned and annealed properly. My SRA ID is SRA R-2

Thank you for sharing your story with us Lyn, there is lots of beautiful inspiration in your work!

Want to become a Featured Artist? Send us an e-mail for an application!