Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in the Southern Tier of WNY. I left after high school and studied and lived in a variety of places all over the world, but always knew I would return to this area to start a family and lay my roots.
What is your medium?
I am a lamp work glass artist. I use the glass beads I create, as well as metals, leathers and other findings, to craft unique jewelry.
How has Buffalo influenced your work?
The triad of art, culture and nature in this area inspires me on a daily basis. Its not only unique and pure Buffalo but it is also accessible and abundant. I love this city and I feel comfortable and engaged in this area and know I would not be who I am without that feeling.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from beautiful and fanciful things I see everyday. Textures on fabric, sunsets, patterns on leaves, toddler doodles, soap bubbles, motions in the flame of a fire and so many other sights we are given everyday.
Name an artist (or more) that most inspires you?
I love glass in all its forms. I am not only inspired by Dale Chihuly but I’m challenged to push the limits of glass work. The unique style of Gaudi’s architectural pieces and fun lines and colors of Joan Miro have also been among my favorites as well.
What is your preferred subject matter?
I gravitate towards simple shapes and designs that emulate nature and every day surroundings.
How do you feel you can best advance to the next level, or are you most happy where you are now?
As an artist I look forward to a life time of advancing and trying to new things and mediums in my work. For Lizard Breath Beads, I hope to incorporate more large festivals and events into my schedule.
What is another medium that you would like to learn? Or that you have already learned?
I have started to bring my own metal work and hand stamping into my work. I have begun to use my torch for copper creations and metal fusing. Just like lamp work and glass, these options are endless and allow me to make each piece even more “one of a kind”.
Is there a purpose to your artwork?
The purpose of my artwork is simple and involves having a wearable piece of art that creates joy.
How often do you work on your art?
I stumble on ideas and inspiration every day even if I don’t get a chance to have glass in my hands. I fire up the torch at least twice a week and make jewelry every chance I get.
What or who first prompted you to venture into the art world?
A picture my great-great Aunt painted for her exhibit in the 1901 Pan American Exposition in Buffalo hung in my Grandmothers living room. As a little girl I would stare at it and think about what it was like to be an artist and create. Those thoughts and dreams had a magical feeling to them I have never let go of that. I feel at home when my hands are busy making art.
Where is your favorite venue in Buffalo to exhibit?
I enjoy outdoor festivals and fairs – (Elisabeth will be showing at the Saturday Artisan Market ‘SAM’ at the Central Wharf this summer – see SAM on Facebook). People are so happy and I get a chance to share conversations on information about the process of lamp work.
Where did you learn your craft?
I started with an introductory torch kit and a few mandrels and colors of glass. The torch used MAP gas canisters to fuel the flame. I was working, tinkering and experimenting for hours on end in my garage. I was simply amazed by the process and the flame. I blew through canister after canister and realized I needed to kick it up a notch because this new hobby was a lifer for me. Slowly I saved up for the large heavy duty torch, regulators, tanks, kiln and glass of every beautiful color imaginable. I’ve read books, taken classes and continuously practiced the craft for years to get to where I am now.
What book are you reading right now?
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Seth.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Buffalo?
In the Buffalo area, it is Rick’s on Main.
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
It’s therapeutic to create. Transferring thoughts, ideas and feelings into a creation is invigorating and freeing. It gives me purpose but also connects me to others, which is very fulfilling.
What’s the worst thing about being an artist?
The inability to create, or a block in creating is frustrating. It gets under my skin until I can complete a project or piece.
What are your strengths?
I never make the same thing twice. I trend in similar styles and ideas but I will never be able to duplicate an item exactly. I hold the materials in my hands and manipulate the glass, metals and mediums into one of a kind items. I take pride and celebrate every creation and this allows me to I produce and see each piece as an expression and individual form of art.
What are your weaknesses?
I can challenge myself more to further explore the infinite amount of materials that can be incorporated into jewelry. This would satisfy my creative urges as well as add more depth to more work.
Who would you most like to sell a work of art to?
I enjoy selling my work to people who enjoy it. It is rewarding, satisfying and has never stopped being flattering. The feeling that someone I don’t know or have never met is wearing and enjoying something I created with my own hands is nothing shy of amazing. It has never ceased to feel like a connection or a wonderful transfer between people .
Support our local artists. Here are a few more Art Buffs to brush up on:
Michael Mulley, Patricia Schwimmer, Mikel Doktor, Jerome Greenberg, Elizabeth Leader, Jacqueline Welch, Doreen DeBoth, Joe Cascio, Candace Masters, Iris Kirkwood, Lukia Costello, Michael Morgulis, Julie Leatherbarrow, Chris Liberti, Michael Mararian, Daniel Rodgers, Bruce Adams, Ken Payne, Christina Cooke, Elise Anne Brooks, Frank Cravotta, Jackie Albarella, Gary Melius,Melissa Campbell, Jeff Quigley