Some of my lampworked glass beads and jewelry work will be in a gallery show soon, in the company of work by my friends and colleagues from the glass bead community in Edmonton. Here’s what I wrote for part of my artist statement:

“Lampworking is my meditation, my own occupational therapy and my joy. Having regular studio time is critical to my well-being. Once the torch is lit and the glass starts to melt, everything else falls away. The bad day, the things I’m worried about, all of that disappears. My focus narrows, the pace slows and a wave of contentment washes over me. I can’t think of any art or craft I’ve ever done that has such a powerful meditative effect. I hope some of that feeling is reflected in the beads, and that wearing them brings as much pleasure as making them has.”

Reminds me I need to steal some time away from the madness of work and get out to the studio!