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.

October 2006

All Past Featured Artists Here

Tell us a little about yourself: Well, I'm 30(ish), married and just celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary (you do the math). We have two kids, 8 and 4 who run my legs off, and various pets. I live in Florida and love to do any outdoor adventure. Except in the summer. Summer is brutal here.

How long have you been lampworking? I've been lampworking for about a year and a half. I just started selling online and got my website up in the last few months, though. I'm excited about that new adventure.

How did you get started in glass work? I started in stained glass, moved on to fused glass, which I still do sometimes, then I tried lampworking and have been completely brainwashed by it. I mean, I totally believe that it is my prime directive to work at the torch every single day. Oh yeah, and read bedtimes stories to my kids.

What is your favorite type of glass to work with? Brands of glass? I like the Ron and Rocio Bearer glass. German glass for it's colors. I use sheet glass sometimes. It's harder to work with but some of the colors available are just amazing. I also have a source of some absolutely gorgeous American glass that I use in a lot of my beads. I cannot reveal that source, however. If I told you, well..., you know what might have to happen.

Do you have a signature bead or design? A style you are known for? I don't think I've been at it long enough to have a signature yet. Besides, I'm just too curious about this molten glass stuff to start replicating designs yet, though I do understand the importance of developing and perfecting a technique. Right now, I just want to know more, learn more. For that, I have to keep trying new things and experimenting. But I do love to make organics. And seashells. And mermaids.

Is there anything/anyone special that influences your work? Gives you inspiration? Nature mostly, I guess, just like everyone else. The ocean and it's different moods, the desert, the seasons changing. I'm also in awe of some of the lampwork artists out there. Michael Barley, Andrea Guarino, Teresa Laliberte'. I mean, they're brilliant! How could you not be inspired by looking at their work, not strive to do more yourself? Oh, and whatever supplies I have on hand. That is also a major influence on my work.

What is the longest time you have spent making one bead? I have a big mermaid focal that I make sometimes and it takes about 30 minutes, but generally I am the Evelyn Wood of lampworking.

Some of Laurie's work:

click images for larger view

What is your favorite part about making beads? I love the detailed, almost mechanical aspects of engineering a bead. It's somewhat hypnotic, the level of concentration you reach. And I love the immediacy of the work. Once you start, get into the flow, you have to finish it. The reward? Instant gratification in the form of tiny, mysterious works of art.

Do you also make jewelry with your beads? Any favorite pieces? I am significantly JDC (Jewelry Design Challenged). I'm so impaired that I barely even wear jewelry myself because I can never make a decision about when to wear what or why. For me, the beauty is really in the bead itself, a little masterpiece to hold in your hand.

Any advice for lampwork bead shoppers? Yes and this is absolutely critical for shoppers to know... You must buy my beads! O.K., seriously? Look for beads from a craftsperson with an excellent reputation for quality and ask them questions about annealing, glass types and techniques. Take the time to look around and investigate what's out there, not just jump on the bandwagon and buy what's popular this minute. There are so many talented artists yet to be discovered, you really can find some unique treasures.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Laurie, your work is beautiful and full of wonderful colors!

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