It was such a pleasure getting to know Katy and so many other amazing facts about her life and her craft. I never knew much about creating original kiln- formed art glass and how many steps go into it. I had no idea one piece may be in the kiln three or four different times before it’s a finished piece of art. Katy also told me many new facts about sea turtles whom she gets so much inspiration from. Here’s a little glimpse into our Featured Artist…
Why do you do what you do?
I have always been attracted to glass art! In 1993, I took a stained glass class and from then on I became hooked. I truly found my niche when I started working with kiln formed glass or warm glass.
Where is your work space and what brings out your creativity?
I am lucky to have a home studio. I feel most creative in the afternoon by myself. I do love the personal contact and absolutely love the feedback I get while I am working in the arts market.
Do you have a favorite piece you’d like to talk about?
My turtle wall ribbon is definitely one of my favorites. I became very passionate about turtles while living in Treasure Island, Florida and even joined the Sea Turtle Tracker group.
How is your personality reflected in your work?
I would consider myself to have a very warm personality much like the beach and that’s where I get most of my inspiration. My family and I are originally from Wisconsin and it was always our goal to move to warmer weather and the beach just spoke to us.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I am lucky enough to not face many creative blocks. I have a very long list of ideas that I still want to accomplish! Looking at other mediums definitely lights my creative fire but my main inspiration comes from walking on the beach and looking at the ocean.
Are there any spaces or designers that have inspired or influenced you?
Yes, Newy Fagan in Ocala, Fl. has been a huge inspiration to me. She was an amazing teacher and mentor. When I started learning about warm glass techniques there were no manuals or books to follow. I took notes from Newy and learned what a firing schedule was. A lot was learned through trial and error. I am forever grateful for my time with her. I have also taken courses all over the United States and Canada.
– Brock Craig. Five day intensive Kiln forming Workshop Vancouver, BC.
– Phillip Teefy. Fusing Thick Las Vegas, Nevada
– Peggy Pettigrew Stewart. Verre’ Eglonmise Las Vegas, Nevada
– Shirley Webster. Fusing with Dichroic Glass A to Z Las Vegas, Nevada
– Kate Macleod. Dichroic Glass and Glass Meteorites Cape Coral, Florida
– Tanya Veit. The Pebble Experience Cape Coral, Florida
Please come see our Featured Artist and 90+ other vendors at The Atlantic Beach Arts Market located at 1805 Mayport Rd. Open everyday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Much Love,
Ame Cowan
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Jacksonville native, local artist/art lover who has found her voice through promoting other local artists. Avid traveler but my heart and soul lies within the First Coast.
