I am a multimedia artist from Norfolk, Virginia. My family is from Toledo, Ohio, the birthplace of America Studio Glassblowing. I would watch Glassblowing at the Toledo Museum of Art when I was a kid. I remember being infatuated and wondering how it was possible to work with such a seemingly volatile magma-like substance. I’ve always admired the duality of the fluid nature of molten glass and the stability of the structured pieces made from it.

My glass work explores the joyful and healing nature of Childs play. As a mechanism of coping and healing, I work with applying sensory appealing textures to forms in glass. For example, utilizing colorful scrap pieces to create fidget jewelry, or picking up murine to create texture on the exterior of a vessel. One of my goals in glass is to spark a conversation about mental health in a destigmatizing way.

I am inspired by the therapeutic nature of Glassblowing and hope to inspire others with my work. I am inspired by the community of artists around me at Chrysler Glass Studio. I also regularly draw inspiration from the live music scene and the bands that I work with.