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My connection and obsession with glass and crystal must be genetic. I am the granddaughter of a German glassblower and the daughter of an Irish tenor. The influence and interests of these two men lead to what is now Grianán Studio.
The Grianán is a room, usually a sunny room, in an Irish home where the women gather and work on their craft...usually needlework. My Dad always saw more to objects than most...and this included some very old crystal goblets used on special occasions in our home. Dad would say “Each piece of glass sings it’s own song....lullabies, battle cries and songs of hope and joy.” My Dad died when I was 10, but to this day I hear his words and songs in my mind, heart and flameworked glass.
My Grandpa was the blower of those very old, very special crystal goblets. As happens with crystal...it breaks...and the final glass was accidentally broken by me on Thanksgiving the year that my Dad died. I was devastated. My Grandpa, a very old, blind and wise man, took me aside, comforted me and said...it’s only sand and water and surely not worthy of your tears. He then told me the stories of how he learned to blow glass from his Father while still living in Germany. While I truly wish I had learned to handle molten glass from my Grandfather... that was not to be. Starting in 2001, I had the opportunity to take a series of flamework classes at The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY. In addition, I have learned from Jen Zitkov, Beagles (Brent) Craig, Kimberly Affleck, Jennifer Geldard and many artists in the world of cyberspace.
The transition of the rigid glass rod to a molten state to a flowing mass and ultimate final form is a dance…it requires the artist, torch and glass to move as one. If there is success with the dance, as my Dad always said - “the glass will sing it’s song”.
I'm a somewhat retired trauma RN that loves and continues to teach trauma and medical emergency patient care. I live in the boonies of NW WI with my husband (a retired university administrator that returns to the classroom each fall to teach Mathematics) and our Famous Seamus O'Toole - a parti-color chocolate and white Cocker Spaniel. Our two children are grown and gone....but live within a couple of hours drive.
There is much more to tell...how the other people in my life influenced me...my Grandmother, my Mom, my husband, my son, my daughter and some very special friends – each has his or her own special story and place in my heart and life....I’ll save that for another time.
I truly hope the flameworked pieces you see on my website sing for you a special song.
Lynn |
