Much of my work is inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds me. The iridescent gracefulness of the dragonfly as it flitters around during the summer months, New England’s falling leaves bursting with color and the brilliant jewel tones of the peacock that remind me of shimmering Hawaiian shores.

The dragonfly’s wings sparkle with iridescence in the sunlight and the dragonfly represents new light and joy and is viewed as a representation of positive forces, renewal and the power of life. The peacock is viewed as a symbol of immortality and resurrection; their jewel-like tones take time to develop, reflecting the idea that our own true colors come forth with maturity as old feathers are replaced with even more colorful plumage.  And the many New England leaves that fall bursting with color and beauty and each year are renewed again, a continuous painting.  For those reasons I enjoy working with copper and mica as well as the many irid and dichroic coated glasses.

My family’s love of Hawaii inspired my company name, Kipuka Glass.  A kipuka is an island of land that survives a volcanic eruption when lava flows around it; so where there is mass destruction, there is a tiny oasis of hope and renewal.  Kipuka Glass is my “oasis”, a place I find joy and pleasure at watching nature come to life in glass.  I began working with fused and kiln formed glass in the year 2000 at friend’s studio in Washington State, where I traveled twice a year to learn and create.  I recently completed and began working out of my own studio at my home in Groton, MA in mid 2007.  I’m blessed to have the unfailing love and support of my husband and working at home allows me a place to enjoy my passion but still gives me the opportunity to be a full time mother to our teenage son.