Melissa T Fitzgerald

uprisingtree@hotmail.com

Artist's Bio

From a young girl Iíve always been attracted to the arts, being exposed to an endless number of creative outlets throughout my life and never settling on one. From the early 80ís friendship bead pins, to fimo clay beads, Iíve always had an attraction to beadsÖespecially glass. I had my first glimpse of a soft glass shop back in the early 90ís while attending Keystone College. We were visiting another school and while on the tour came across the soft glass shop. Not much was mentioned, only that the students spent a majority of their time in the shop and the tour continued on. Thatís when the first spark of curiosity for glass blowing began.

In 2001 I had my first hands-on experience working borosilicate glass with Kevin, of KXB glass, and my mentor. Iíve been very fortunate having the opportunity of working with Kevin through the years, always having someone to answer my on the spot questions and help me through some sticky situations. It blew my mind having the resources to take a solid rod of glass, and transforming it into whatever one chooses. Glass jewelry became my main focus about two and a half years ago, having the freedom to create your own beads and more. Having attended a few workshops has opened up many doors to new ideas, and pushes me to achieve the skills needed to get those ideas transformed into glass. Iím very influenced by the outdoors, the organic shapes, and the palette of colors mother nature provides.

I currently work out of KXBís glass shop, and will continue to build my knowledge and skills working with glass. Iíve found the one creative outlet that Iíll grow old with. My work can be found in a few consignment shops in Pa.