Monday, October 8, 2007

Glass Artist Jenn Szalkowski

I asked Jenn Szalkowski questions about her creative self. This is what she had to say:
When did you first know that you were going to do something in your life artistic?

I can trace my artistic roots back to my early childhood spending time in my Mom's ceramic studio in the basement of our house. I remember feeling artistically inclined to the materials and the ability to create a beautiful object with my own two hands.
I first knew that I was headed for a life traveling the artistic path during my college career at Kent State University. The 'glass bug' first bit me when I took a Beginning Glass class as part the art program requirements. I fell instantly in love with the medium....the glowing heat, the raw power and the ability to shape a molten material...and we lived happily ever after...

What are your goals?

My ultimate goal is to create a life where I support myself by doing what I love: creating glass art, while being able to share my talent with others. I plan on opening my own glass studio where I can create my own work while offering instruction and advice for other artists. My studio will house an art gallery for exhibiting my own work and the work of talented, local & regional artists. I want to foster an environment of creativity and help contribute to the thriving art culture in Cleveland.

What makes you get up in the morning?

Well I'm more of a night-owl so not much makes me get up in the morning :) ...but what drives me to live every day to the fullest is creating beauty through my art work and the happiness that it brings to so many people, including myself. Everytime I open the kiln, I am amazed and delighted with the beautiful glass treasures that lie inside. Art is why I wake up in the morning, the wonder of creating glass art inspires me to sieze the day, everyday. Carpe Diem!

You can contact Jenn by the links below.
http://firetamerglass.etsy.com
http://firetamerglassworks.blogspot.com

Thoughts from a person living a creative life.