Robert Leatherbarrow course

Bob Leatherbarrow is an amazing teacher who is willing to share his secrets for the crackle technique he developed. I took his course in November here in Ottawa and am looking forward to his scheduled second class in 2014.

Chicago SOFA show

A first time visit to Chicago and I will be back.  I spent one day up at Oak Park and toured the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio.  It was wonderful to see the roots of the Prairie style architectural movement.  I loved his use of stained glass.  I took an audio tour of the neighbourhood and saw all the houses that he designed and there was a great explanation on the development of the architectural styles.  A definite must if you go to Chicago.  Friday was spent all day at the SOFA show on the pier.  It was a joy to discover  while walking along the pier  to the exhibition space  the 800 f00t Smith Stained Glass museum.  All the masters had examples that were beautifully backlit.  What a terrific FREE exhibit!!! I spent the whole day listening to talks and being totally amazed by all the art.  Glass certainly dominates the show with at least 75 per cent  of the exhibits.  There were some textile and wood pieces but glass dominates.  All the big  gallerys from the US, Australia and Italy were there. L.A Pai from Ottawa, Galerie Elena Lee from Montreal had booths.  My favourite artist Miriam di Fiore  had four pieces with Habitat Gallery.  It was wonderful to see her pieces up close. It was awe inspiring!!!  My shopping in Chicago  was limited to a pair of  winter boots but I did bring back the beautiful hardcover book Studio Glass in America – a 50 year journey. Saturday was spent with my husband Allan and we spent the morning at the Chicago Institute of Art visiting my favourite Impressionist artists including a large collection of Monet.  We spent the afternoon taking the architectural river boat cruise.  It was a bit chilly but they did provide coffee and Baileys to warm us up.    This is a definite must if you go to Chicago.  I love how the city has reclaimed the waterfront for parks.  Toronto could learn a big lesson from Chicago.  The trip was too short but I hope to go back to the windy city.

On Common Ground

Wanted to wish congratulations to Robert  Lowry on his participation in his first studio Tour “On Common Ground” held last weekend Saturday and Sunday October 13 and 14 in the Winchester and South Mountain area south of Ottawa.  He makes these incredible pot melt bowls.  Check him out at www.robertthreefires.com.

Here I come Chicago. Heading to the SOFA show.

When I found out that my husband was going to a trade how of his own in Chicago at the beginning of November a small dream came true. I am cashing in my airmile points and heading there because the world  renown SOFA (Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art  and design) show was going to be on.  It is the largest and longest playing art fair in Chicago and is running from November 1-4 at Navy’s Pier. I will be able to spend all day Friday checking out the masterworks of contemporary and modern arts and design, sculptural and functional art. I am planning to go to several lectures celebrating  50 years of glass  including one with moderator James Baker from the Pilchuck Shool of Glass and  panelists  Jean McLaughlin, Executive Director of Penland School of Crafts, Stuart Kestenbaum, Director, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME, and artist/educators Daniel Clayman, represented by Habatat Galleries, Royal Oak, MI,Jack Wax and Amy Rueffert.

Another talk I hope to hear is a discussion of the top 50 glass artists from the past 50 years of studio glass that nine critics think are the most relevant to the next fifty years.  The top artists selected include Chihuly, Brychtova/Libensky, Littleton, Wilmarth, Smith, Vallien, Tagliapietra, Eisch, and Vizner.

A trip to Chicago  would not be complete without touring the Frank Lloyd Wright museums and buildings.  I just finished reading the book Loving Frank and now I will be able to see for real what my minds eye saw while reading.

My husband and I will spend Saturday at where else but the Art Institute of Chicago to see my favourite Impressionsts and Post-Impressionists.  I will tell you more when I get back.

Free Talk on Everything You Wanted to Know about Fused Glass But Were Afraid to Ask

A free talk  on Fused Glass to the Creative Connections group on Tuesday November 6th 2012 at 11:00 am in the teen lounge at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre at 21 Nadolony Sachs Drive in Ottawa will be given by me if I don’t break my computer over frustrations on using power point to make my slides for the talk.  I plan to bring a variety of props so everyone can understand what exactly is involved with making fused glass.

Welcome to Miriams Glassworks

Welcome to my world of glass.  I plan on keeping you updated on my glass adventures.  I am already looking forward to expanding my knowledge base with a new course I will be taking in November  with Robert Leatherbarrow at Stained Glas Stuff in Ottawa. Stay tuned.