ARTIST STATEMENT: When I started doing serious larger scale commission work, I decided to use those opportunities to “turn a corner” in my work as each new job came along. This allowed me to expand my design possibilities, offer the client a unique finished product and devise nontraditional techniques that set my work apart. Additionally, that meant searching for non-traditional materials as well; perhaps even material that had never been used in stained glass before.

Somewhere along the way, I discovered that designing and engineering these projects was far more satisfying than the actual fabrication. It seemed that the challenge had been met in coming up with a new conceptual look and solving the engineering challenges involved. The fabrication was, of course, the culmination of all the prior work but also, somewhat anti-climactic. The dreaming was far more attractive than the hours alone in my studio.

I decided that the human contact and the process of anticipation and discovery that occurred during the presentation process was what were lacking. Teaching my techniques seemed the natural progression back to that. Sharing my techniques with students, working one on one and standing back to watch their minds work is a fascinating process. Offering them the keys to new avenues of creativity, allowing them to personalize each and every work, has proved to be an absolute delight.

BIO: Nationally recognized for her self-developed signature techniques, Cathy tailors her unique classes from larger commissions opportunities requiring unique approaches. Her art is in galleries and private collections across the country as well as abroad. She has been featured in numerous articles; including GLASS ART MAGAZINE, GLASS CRAFTSMAN MAGAZINE, PROFITABLE GLASS MAGAZINE as well as CREATIVE DESIGNING-Innovative Glass Art, by Kay Bain Weiner. Cathy is the author of HIDDEN IMAGES IN GLASS, a video describing her unique copper foil overlay soldering techniques.

Originator of Hidden Images in Glass and Hidden Images in Glass, Master Level classes, Cathy dispels all the rules of copper foil overlay to produce sculptured, large format work directly on the glass.

In an attempt to dispel the notion that stained glass is typically a “flat panel”, Cathy developed, “Sticks and Stones”, a line that features smooth rolled edges and designs sometimes completely free of traditional metal perimeters. Special decorative reinforcing and found items add 3 dimensional qualities unseen to this point.

In addition, “Wall Jewelry” offers a new perspective in glass as items are selected for markings rather than light transmission.

“Glass Straight Up” demonstrates tall glass in small spaces: free standing sculpture like works that need neither window or wall. Cathy turns stained glass into the next artform.

“Floating Rondels” incorporates sculptural solder fields and rondels that seem to float above each other.

Cathy is a contributing editor for GLASS CRAFTSMAN and PROFITABLE GLASS MAGAZINES. She lectures and teaches a variety of classes at the major glass conventions across the country and at selected galleries.

NATIONAL SPONSORS: Kokomo Glass | Venture Foil | Canfield Technologies | Stellar Technical