2012 was another great year in NYC. It was a year of new developments and growth. I spent a fare amount of time on the road traveling to shows on the East Coast in addition to traveling up to Corning to work out of The Studio at The Corning Museum of Glass. I met a lot of great people on the road including talented artists, fellow glass blowers, as well as some exceptional clients and enthusiasts all whom have helped make this year be a success.
I began the year with three wholesale shows: ACRE Orlando, The Philadelphia Buyers Market, and American Craft Council Baltimore. I made new contacts and wrote orders to new stores and galleries with my previous lines of work. During these shows it became clear that I wanted my glass to be more unique and to standout on a national level. I was motivated and inspired to expand on my line of blown and wheel carved glass and to create pieces that were more unique.
I worked intensely to create a new body of blown and wheel carved glass I debuted at Craft New York. The body of work included, Urban, Continuum, Nebula, Weave, and some new editions to the Spirit Vessels. The pieces were very well received.
I continued to show the new blown and wheel carved pieces throughout the year and was recognized for my new developments. In San Francisco at the American CraftCouncil Show, I was selected for an Award of Excellence. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, I won the Cohn Family Trust Prize for Excellence in Glass. I felt very honored to be award among many other glass artists and craftsmen I admire and look up to. Furthermore, both Weave and Urban pieces are finalists for the 2013 Niche Awards: Urban for the Blown Glass category and Weave for the Home Furnishings category.
I was also fortunate to study with Master engraver Jiri Harcuba from the Czech Republic and April Surgent in a workshop at Corning. They are extremely knowledgeable instructors, talented artists, and inspiring people.
I feel it is important to keep learning and making new developments by pushing oneself as an artist. Sometimes, this may mean reinventing yourself, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and letting go of the familiar, even if it has treated you well. Making these kinds of shifts to stay inspired has helped promote growth. I am grateful for all the blessings of 2012 and looking forward to what 2013 will bring.
A few images from 2012.
