TO SHARE, OR NOT TO SHARE...That is the question!

I was asked an interesting question at my last teaching gig. One of my students looked me right in the eye and said, "Ok, so what motivates you to be so forthcoming and share so much information with us?" It kinda stopped me dead in my tracks and, as usual, I said the first thing that came to my mind: "When I first started out, galleries and other more successful artists wouldn't give me the time of day. I made up my mind then that if I ever got even a little bit successful, I'd do all I could to help other artists along the way!"

But maybe it goes a lot farther back than that. I was an only child and though I was given most anything I really wanted, I found it lonely. Talking with my cousins a while back, they remembered that I would give away all my toys just so they would stay and play. So, here I am still giving away my toys because I love what I do and want everyone to join in. 

Another reason I don't worry about giving away my secrets....... I am easily bored and doing the same thing over and over, year after year is not enough for me. What makes my socks roll up and down is the process. It's the "making" of art.....in whatever medium or style.  And, it's the evolution of ideas. This kind of focus turns work into play and I'm hoping if I keep sharing, it will catch on and we'll all play well together and have fun living our dream. 

So, here's my latest share. It's part of my "Remembered Spaces" series based on photos taken on a recent trip to the Denver Botanical Gardens. Enjoy, and welcome to the playground!

LEFT: photo taken at Denver Botanical Gardens CENTER: Color lay-up RIGHT: Frit shading begins.

LEFT: Frit shading complete RIGHT: Adding hand cut glass leaves and details

Finished Glass wall art 18 x 20"