Shelley Stoffer

Glass is a fascinating material. The possibilities for working with color, shape, form and light are endless. There is always something new to be learned and a sense of excitement when the kiln is opened and I continue to be interested in pushing the more static aspects of kiln-formed glass.

 

Thematically, the natural world is my inspiration, from human faces with nuanced expressions to the patterns in exotic botanical forms. I relish the spontaneous, the flowing and the “painterly” and I am endlessly thankful for the “happy accidents” that lead to new ideas.

 

For me, artistic creation resembles improvisation in jazz music: those things that appear simple, effortless and graceful are the accumulation of years of work and practice so that they can come together creating, perhaps for moment, something unique and beautiful.