www.glassbysabina.com

Women in glass! Of course, I love this topic. Who doesnít? But trying to say something about myself is difficult. I think women in general have a much harder time tooting their own horn.

I grew up in Miami and moved to Washington in the early 90ís. I suffered through those first few dreary winters which made me realize I needed warmth and focus. Glass seemed to be the answer. I started blowing glass in a small makeshift shop in a friendís garage. Having learned the basic skills in a mediocre apprenticeship, I worked diligently at defining my art. Eleven years ago there wasnít the array of artists, resources and colors that there are today. I spent a lot of time seeking out my peers and new techniques. I found few women and an endless evolution of techniques. I find it funny that glass is so feminine and yet itís such a male-dominated art.

Iím lucky to have grown up in an incredibly artistic family where life and art were inseparable. Glass as a commodity fulfilled both paying the rent and having a creative focus. Well, paying the rent most of the time. In 2003, I took a class with John Kobuki where I learned his compression technique. I started making marbles full-time and selling them on Ebay. Here, a world previously unknown to me existed of marble makers and collectors. I found so much joy in making marbles. I honed my skills and entered my first competition at the Eugene Glass School Flame Off last year. Winning the marble category has given me the encouragement to stick with it. Driving down to the Flame Off I said: ìIím not going to win; Iím going there to play with the big boys.î All boys in fact, as I was the only girl in my category.

I hope I am teaching my daughter the same valuable lessons that I learned from art. I currently work part time for Momkaís Glass, a color manufacturer out of Seattle, WA. Working here has changed my relationship with glass. On a daily basis I am privileged to witness the chemical reactions and methods it takes to create the colors we all use in our glass. Now, I see the whole process come together when Iím behind my torch.

You can see more of my work at www.glassbysabina.com.