Lesley Nolan's Glass

It was the Right Decision!

2011-03-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

Oh, to go, to go, or not to go that was the question. “Go where?” you ask. In 2009 like a lightning bolt from the sky, I received an email from Steve Klein, to ask whether or not I was interested in joining several other glass artists at Pilchuck for a week residency. In that case, there was no question. After gathering myself off the floor, I jumped up and down and said “Yes, Yes, I will go!

Six and a half hours through the air, I arrived in Seattle and began my trek to Pilchuck Glass School. It was a wonderful experience. Now, in 2011, I haven’t seen any of these people in almost 2 years!

But, what happened there and what happened at the next session of 2010, (I wasn’t able to go to because it was the exact same weekend as Michael and Dianne’s wedding,) became the subject for a show at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, WA. Actually, it didn’t just happen; Steve Klein and Richard Parrish worked hard to make it happen. I don’t know all the details, hand wringing, sleepless nights, or arm twisting that went into the whole thing. All I know is that Steve and Richard strongly encouraged me to submit some work for the show and miraculously a show came together. Actually, I do know that Steve, Richard, Kathleen Moles of MoNA, and Lani McGregor of Bullseye, were all working very hard on making all of our dreams come true. I also know that there were many other little elves involved.

So the question was, “Do I go? Do I take the time and expense to travel to the other side of the continent for an opening? I haven’t seen these people in almost 2 years, some I have never met. Even then I had only been with them for a week.” I decided to go. For some reason, I had a feeling that it was important. I had a feeling that I would be so glad that I did go. I don’t know, I thought that these were my people. They spoke a similar language. So off I flew, and then drove an hour and forty-five minutes to the cutest little town of LaConner, Washington.

I couldn’t have imagined the affection that I felt as I hugged each of my past residency partners and even a few who I only knew through Facebook from the 2010 group. As each day and event passed it only reinforced that my decision was right. I had made the right decision. The group was nurturing, encouraging, and most of all great fun to be around. It was just wonderful to see everyone and everyone felt the same way! All I can really say at this point is “THANK YOU”.

I AM READY FOR THE NEXT TIME!

2011-02-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

It’s funny how long it takes ideas and directions to coalesce into action. I feel like I am still working on the bits and pieces of information, inspiration, technique, and enthusiasm that surrounded me in 2009. At the time I was like hard packed earth unable to absorb all the life giving rain but as it sat there on the surface it began to percolate down to nourish that tiny flame. It just needed to wait until I was ready to receive it. Not only have I gained from the actual time at Pilchuck but I have also gained in the community of artists that it created. This group continues to be a source of information and encouragement and I look forward to future collaborations.

This is an experimental piece "Maps". I am working with the concept of the wafers. I love how thin and fragile they are and misty and foggy, like memories.

2011-02-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

In 2009 I was invited to participate in Pilchuck's first Professional Artists in Residency (PAIR) week led by Steve Klein and Richard Parrish both excellent artists working with fused glass. The experience was so enjoyable and successful that they decided to do it again in 2010. Sadly I couldn't go but the reason was wonderful, our son got married. Anyway, there had been talk of a show coming together illustrating the work that came out of these two workshops. I really felt that since I wasn't able to participate in the 2nd week, I wouldn't be able to join them. I was so wrong. Both Richard and Steve encouraged me to get my act together and submit work for the show. I did and they accepted 3 pieces. I couldn't be happier!

I wasn't sure I was going to go to the opening. One complication was that I am also participating in a 3 person show at the Kittrell/Riffkind gallery opening the very same day, March 12, 2011! Also, I could drive to Kittrell/Riffkind, they are in Dallas, but La Conner, Washington, is a bit far. But I ultimately decided to go.

Act 2: The next Track, will be at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner Washington. Bullseye Glass has been main sponsor of the entire thing, their generosity has been amazing. This is a video that shows many slides of the work coming out of the show. http://www.bullseyeglass.com/weblog/ . Also you can learn more about the work in the show at the website of MONA, http://www.museumofnwart.org/index.php?page=upcoming-exhibitions&exhibID=40

This is one of the pieces that was accepted into the show. It is called "On the right track" It includes a small wafter of glass that has been one of the inspirations of the workshops. Even now I am continuing to work in the direction of the wafers.

From Now on

2011-02-20T13:42:00.001-08:00

From now on, this blog will be only about glass, my work, the work of others, and my inspirations etc.

Pilchuck

2009-07-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

The opportunity to participate in the Professional Artists in Residence program at Pilchuck was a lovely surprise. Simply being asked was an honor all in itself. Why? Pilchuck is not just a "summer camp" for glass artists. It is a place where they are serious about the craft of Art first and glass secondly. All of the artists that participate in the programs, run the programs and act as staff and volunteers are dedicated to their craft and dedicated to this magical place. Surrounded by woods in the beautiful pacific northwest, Pilchuck was built in the early 70's by a bunch of young, a bit hooligan, glass blowers. They literally built the place living in tents, sewing canvas, building kilns and glory holes.
That kind of dedication was a bit intimidating. I am not sure that my dedication measures up to that standard. The other members of my "PAIR"s group, many of them, came with that same intensity. I came with a big hole in my heart and my head! After I was asked, I wracked my brain to decide what i wanted to work on while I was there, I had to write a statement to that effect. I had to put togethter a materials list. Both ended up vague to say the least. All the while waiting for the class and even as I arrived everything was up in the air. That was the best I could do.
I didn't know anyone that was in the glass. I had met some briefly but hardly enough to even recognize them. I am fairly accustomed to walking into new situations like that so I wasn't worried about not knowing anyone and anyway we did at least have kilnformed glass in common. Although I had not been to the area in over 40 years, I did feel in some way that I was visiting a familar place. I had lived in Bellevue as a child which is not far from Stanwood, Washington where Pilchuck is located. I had played in those kinds of woods and picked the Salmon and cloud berries that were also ripening on the hills of Pilchuck. I had looked at Mount Rainer everyday from my backyard, there is not question that it is a beautiful place.
With the record heat we had been having in the South, the cool air of the Pacific was welcome not just to me but several of the group coming from Austin. We got right down to introductions, setting up the supplies, and finding our rooms. Since our group was actually scheduled between sessions, many of us, myself included had our own rooms in the dorm. Lovely accomodations I really couldn't have asked for better. Least I forget, I have to mention the food as well. It was delicious and always something special whether, breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Everyday we met, ate, talked, ate, worked, ate, talked, drank, slept and generally enjoyed everthing, the surroundings, the company, the conversation, the work, the thoughts, and the sharing. Everyone was helpful, thoughtful, tactful, generous, and generally fun to be around. But you notice I still haven't mentioned what i worked on. I played a bit with Rouche' paint that Paul Tarlow introduced me to, I used my silkscreens and gave a quick demonstration. I made small tiles of little vignetts. They weren't new for me. I did see some interesting work with the powders by Alicia Lomne' that I am putting to my techniques to see how they play but that work is happening at home.
I think if I have been sort of putting off saying what I got from the class. That's because I still don't know. I met some great people, many I wish I lived closer to. I saw some wonderful work and techniques. I had some lovely feedback on my work. I think in some ways it seems what might be shaking out for me is making the decision to try and rededicate myself to the art. I may have been infected with a bit of enthusiasm. Which would actually be difficult to avoid sitting behind Paul Tarlow. He was so obviously stoked about some new ideas, I have to admit that i was jealous. But if the recommitment and the friends are all I got from the class and the week at Pilchuck it was definitly worth it. If I were asked to go again, I am pretty sure i would say yes.
I know when people ask me about the trip, i hesitate, because as I said, I think it is too soon to tell how it went for me. Lets see if I can get the enthusiasm back up and look forward to going into the studio. That was one other thing I was jealous of, each of the other members seemed to have a drive to get into the studio and create that I have been missing. I want that back but I still am not sure but I am searching for it. Right now, that seems the best that i can do and thats okay.

2009-06-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

Our first day using frit and an enameling kiln we worked on creating thin wafers that could go in and out of a preheated kiln in about 10 minutes. When they were cooled each student used and embellished their wafers on a 4 x 4 clear piece of Bullseye glass.

I taught this technique to show how glass moves in such a small volume. The two pieces on top are wafers that I made and I also made the same sifting on a piece of clear and fired that to show the difference. Only in creating a wafer first can you achieve certain effects.

People have read my blog!

2009-06-16T11:53:00.001-07:00

I have just been chastized because I have not updated my blog in a while. Well, I pretty much thought that I was writing to myself. However, I have now come to realize a few of you have actually read it and as astonishing as that is actually want to know what I am doing. Maybe in a good way, unlike Twitter or facebook, I do not have to be faced with the fact that I have very few friends because there is not a counter of everyone who reads my blog....this is good for the ego.

I have just completed my second day of teaching at Florida State University Master Craftsmen Studio. It is really beginning to warm up after an initial slow start on Monday where at first I thought it was going to be one student! It would have been a good student but you do want to mix it up a bit. There are a dedicated 4 students with various volunteers wandering in.

We are playing with frit. Since this class is marketed toward Art Educators I try and put together a class that uses few supplies and is more budget friendly. The budget is a difficult aspect with fused glass as the materials are expensive for the most par. My thought was that one can do many different techniques with black frit and white or clear glass. Also the class is representative of many of my own techniques that are incorporated into my glass.

Today we worked with the lightbox and with frit as a medium to "paint" with. Tomorrow we will work on silkscreening. Big Fun!

2009-05-13T05:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received an invitation to participate in a one week residency at Pilchuck in Washington. I was floored. It is such an honor to be considered and to have had Lani suggest me was equally surprising. I had no idea that my work was that visible or even appreciated. It will be very difficult to turn the opportunity down....I don't think I will.
Can you feel understated excitement! Really this might be just the kick in the behind that i need! I don't know what the others will get from me but I know I will learn a lot.

BEST OF SHOW!

2009-04-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

After all my hard work getting ready for the Chain of Parks Show, I was surprised by the result, I won best of show. That has never happened I am sad to admit but WOW! I was surrounded by friends when my name was read and that made it all the more special. The only thing that would have made it better was if Dan had been there but he had another engagement.
We were also delighted to have beautiful weather the whole time and very appreciate crowds as well as good neighboring artists. A beautiful weekend all and all.

Ass time

2009-04-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

I heard an interview the other day about writers and other artists and how they are successful. Someone put it that they put in a lot of "Ass time". That means that their ass was in the chair doing the work that needs to be done; doing it everyday. Thats what I have been doing. I have been slogging it out in the studio, working at it. It hasn't all been wonderful or inspired but I believe that work creates inspiration. Thats why I applied for the "Chain of Parks show" this year. I needed to make myself be motivated. Its taken a while but its working. I hope to see you out there so you can see the results of my "ass time"

GO GREEN

2008-07-02T06:46:00.000-07:00

The FSU Artists' League, Go Green show is up at the museum now through the end of next week. Robert B. Ryals of the Claude Pepper Museum has photographed the entire show and made a webpage of it on the Claude Pepper site,http://www.claudepeppercenter.net/gogreen/index.html.

Last night some of the members spoke about their work. It was interesting to hear how some artists reinterpreted some of their earlier work to fit into the show and how others made work specifically for the show.

Enjoy the images.

Class is over

2008-06-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Class is finished. It was certainly a lot of fun. I can honestly say that everyone attacked each project with enthusiasm and that made my job easy. We made some great projects: pattern bars, small plates, and silk screened tiles. I am not sure what everyone's favorites were.

Thank you to Wayne at the FSU Mastercraftsman program for inviting me and thank you to a great group of Leon County teachers for a splendid class!

Class!

2008-06-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

I was excited when I was asked to teach a class this summer at the Master Craftsmen Studios at FSU. Excited and a bit nervous. It is always the question of "What to teach?" They had thought about advanced classes and I really am not sure what advanced is in this medium. I wanted to students, even if they have had an introduction to have the feel of making something with a finished piece in mind. There are some more complicated procedures that you could spend a whole week or two on but the class was for Art Educators so I wasn't sure about that. I chose to think about projects that had some historical meaning, multiple applications, and different skill levels.
First day I was a bit nervous but things went right into motion and its been a great group. As always we tend to think we can get more done than we can but we are moving right along. Class at my Studio today was great. We cut our pattern bars and then created a plate with them. They are in the kiln now and it will be Christmas in the morning!
We also quickly made our silk screened tiles. The silk screens were made from EZ screen print, a quick UV curing mesh that can be used with paints or glass or enamel frits. They will also be coming out of the kiln tomorrow.
I hope my students will leave me some feedback on the course that might help me in the future. Hint Hint!

FSU Artists League GO Green

2008-06-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Although it was sad to see the children's art from the Story show taken down, it was interesting to see the Artists' League response to the Go Green theme.
There were some very interesting pieces. I especially liked the bicycle lawnmower combination. However, I felt pretty old when a young women asked me about what the front push mower was!
My piece is Salvaged Nature. It is a large flat piece made from all my scraps with a window of clear that has a silk screened tree and sandblasted leaves on the back. I was a bit surprised to see it up on the pedestal because I thought of it on the floor and maybe even outside, but I liked it up like that. As always, Wayne does a great job of lighting.
In some ways I think that the Go Green theme goes well with artists, we tend to be a fairly thrifty group; materials being precious.

Airport Show and Class

2008-06-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is a busy week for me. For one and most obvious, I decided to start a blog about what I am doing with my art. However, I really have no idea what I am doing with my blog so this will be a new adventure.

Secondly and most importantly, I am preparing to teach a week long course at Florida State University's Master Craftsmen Program. I have been working all week on the curriculum and emphasis for the course that is offered through the Educators program. I think we will have fun. We will be working on pattern bars that we will come back to my home studio to slice up to include in our final project. I think it will be fun.

I am also delivering a piece, "Dancing with Van Gogh" to the Tallahassee Airport Gallery to be included in a show for members of the NW Florida Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Friday I am going to the opening of "Go Green" an exhibition of art by the Florida State University's Museum of Fine Art Artists League. This year we choose an environmental theme. It was juried by Commissioner Cliff Thaell and his wife, Georgjean Marchulis.

I will let you know about the opening and keep you posted on my class.