Jeannie Cox has always been involved in arts, working with with ceramics, oil paints, graphic design and multi-media since childhood. In 1996, she discovered glass lampworking for a brief time, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2007, when she re-discovered the craft, that she knew she had finally found her passion. In early 2009, Jeannie decided to make it her full-time career.
Rating: 5.00
Visits: 652Dragon Eye
Rating: 5.00What area of glass working do you specialise in?
I specialize in lampworking with soft glass, making mostly larger focal beads, marbles and small sculptures. I also dabble with boro sometimes (people say it’s easier - ??), but the soft glass is still my favourite as of today.
How did you get started with Glass?
I’ve been interested in glass since I was a child and was mesmerized by glass artists in malls and at fairs. I finally was first able to practice the art for a brief time in 1996, but did not fully start the craft until 2007.
I like depth, originality and variance in my designs and I incorporate many techniques into my pieces. I hand-mix colors, create all my own stringers and murrine and add silver and gold to many pieces to create unique and specific styles. Even though I am basically a soft glass (COE 104) artist, I like to use many techniques that are normally used in boro (COE 33). I make mostly large focal beads, marbles and small sculpture, and do dabble a little with boro on the side.
What was your first glass piece?
My first glass piece was a really plain, ugly, clear boro teardrop pendant. The teardrop was okay but the loop was horrible and crooked.
What have been your major accomplishments to date?
For my art, it would be achieving layered, 3-D effects in my works, like in my marbles, aquarium beads and my encased snowmen globes. As for my art career, it would be being able to retire from my “day” job to follow my passion.
What is your favourite glass working tool and why?
My favourite tool is a dental instrument which has a small spoon on one end and a spade-type tool on the other. It is great for pushing down edges of dichro or encasements and also great for indenting, shaping, etc.
Whose work do you admire?
Lauren Stump, Margaret Zinser, Deb Crowley, Melanie Moertel, Harvey Carlton – wow, there’s too many to mention!
Where do you get your inspiration for pieces from?
Many just come from playing with the glass and seeing what happens, others come from specific ideas I have, but sometimes come out different than my imaginings. I like pushing the limits of soft glass, incorporating boro-type effects and layering – depth is good!
What do you enjoy about glass working?
It’s a never-ending art – you are constantly learning, experimenting and creating. There are just so many paths to follow with glass – it is so versatile.
What is your top tip for someone wanting to start doing what you do?
The easiest way is to find a local studio or college which teaches beginning lampworking. If that is not available, look online for YouTube videos or purchase a book and buy a little Hothead kit, which is relatively inexpensive.
People can see my glass art at...
The Cottage at the Farm
6106 S. 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85042
Evermore, Nevermore
127 W. Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
Links
View the Artist's Gallery on Glass Community
