Nestled in a quiet rural North Carolina mountain valley
sits a studio immersed in the forest where molten glass swirls in dramatic kaleidoscopes.
Glass expertly klinformed by award winning Artisans Simona and JJ.
Sparkling hues stole my breath in awe during my recent visit to Fyreglas Studios.
Remarkable work crafted in elegance, from J.J’s intricate complex woven patterns, to Simona’s free flowing glass landscapes.
We met the talented pair at the Southern Highland Craft GuildFair last autumn, instantly feeling like old friends.
I was absolutely taken with their brilliantly accomplished designs.
Our first piece “ Snow lifting in the wind” brings me great joy.
Now I crave the Fyre element in every room of my home.
Ocean – shown with backlight and daylight.
J.J’s red pattern glass with handmade raven pillow ( Canmore)
It isn’t an easy answer to say where my inspiration comes from.
It’s never a one ingredient response,
such as ‘viewing a stunning mountain scape’.
Inspiration is created in layers of experiences, like cycling up that mountain, in the soft mist of morning, clouds hung low, the sound of birdcall as I peddle up the incline.
Inspiration, like a chef’s recipe, combines flavourful ingredients, not just to satisfy the palette but enhance the experience.
Inspiration is discovering Fyreglas’bright rainbow designs, flowing into your spirit & alighting your soul.
It’s meeting artists like JJ and Simona, with admiral dedication to their craft.
It’s their warm welcome and humble appreciation, delivered with Simona’s refreshing homemade iced tea on a summery day.
I left my paints behind on my visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains 2 weeks ago.
I didn’t open my journal or turn a page in my novel.
Pencils stayed in their box.
My camera remained unusually silent.
It’s in stillness the flames of inspiration may be encouraged.
It’s in focused discovery without distraction, pencil or pen.
At times, the camera needs to be absent for beauty to unfold and resonate in your heart.
It’s in the exploration of mountain passes, art studios & weavers looms.
Weaving- Crossnore School.
Dawn at Moses Cone Art& Craft Center.
It’s witnessing cascading wild rhododendrons visited by dancing butterflies.
Hearing the roar of a mountain waterfall or children’s laughter by a natural rock pool.
It’s in the scent of a spring shower, and echo of raindrops on forest foliage.
It’s in a friendly smile or handshake, from one artist to another.
A hand that crafts another paints, or molds, or shapes.
Collecting art which speaks to you personally, intimately, can have a profound effect on your well being.
We have been fortunate to collect pieces from potters, weavers, painters, quilters, blacksmiths, woodworkers, and glass artists.
walnut chair & table- Marc Banning. Pottery Canoe- Al Pace. blanket gift. Glass, Simona of Fyreglas, wood bowl K. Gillespie.
There is a timeless quality and rewarding pleasure knowing most of our furniture, functional and decorative items are made by our own hands, and inspiring people we have met.
Artists whose hands we have shook, and spirits have alighted our own.
New 4ft x 3ft original oil
~ This post could be long as the string of award ribbons displayed in Fyreglas windowed office.
I wanted to write about a most surprising fact:
Simona & JJ presenting their private collection of other artist’s work, before showing us their own.
A gesture which speaks volumes of their character.
I could write about the music of the blue mountains, incredible varied art & weaving and then there is the cycling… ohhhhhhh, the cycling.
Perhaps, thou, discoveries like these are best met on your own adventure.
Inspiration, after all is an individual quest.
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The Ashville, Blowing Rock/ Boone/ Banner Elk regions of North Carolina are a cycling, art, and nature mecca, home to the origin of bluegrass music, and blue ridge parkway.
The nearby Appalachian Trail delivers a feast of the senses.
If you are visiting the region, a few links to help plan your stay.
https://www.blueridgerentals.com
http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventures/blue-ridge-parkway/
~ Studio NEWS~
New evolution in the work~ I have been experimenting with big brush painting, loving the soft contrasts with splashes of bold impasto colour when layered with small brush texture.
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Recent projects include entering my first art contest- a design for Canadian Mint- watch for your opportunity to vote on the best design for a new Canadian coin.
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Kelowna’s Hambleton Galleries New Artists Exhibit opens next month!
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“ Aglow” Sold this week, finding a wonderful home. Three other paintings are on hold with new Clients in the US & Canada.”GBay” 14×18 is off to an auction fundraiser. Email me for details.
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Website transformation coming soon!
Talented web designer Paul is working on implementing new features.
The blog is growing in popularity, we are making it easy to sign up, find popular posts, and scroll thru concentrated glimpses of the blogs.
Email me your favourite post and I will include the top 5 in the next blog!