About a
year ago I started taking lampwork bead making classes with Julie DeFeo. She’s an amazing artist living and working in
Santa Fe, NM. Soon after Julie met Linda
Sweeney who was in the midst, of opening a glass studio. Shortly thereafter Glorieta Glassworks was
born.
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| Linda's Beads |
As with
any studio, it must inspire creativity.
Glorieta Glassworks does just that, the studio is nestled in the Sangre
de Cristo Mountains east of Santa Fe.
The integration of nature causes an immediate creative spark. The modern, spacious work space and the
breathtaking landscape will wow you, just like it did me. The studio is the site of invention and a
creative space where functionality is equally important.
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| Linda Sweeney & Julie DeFeo |
The
studio is equipped with 12 work stations which include torches, an elaborate
ventilation system, many choices in glass (COE 104), kilns, books, tools, glass
beads and of course Linda’s knowledge. There
are also two pretty pups on the property; Cinnamon and Sage. Be sure you visit Linda's website to see pictures of what the studio looks like today.
I must mention
that Linda is a stickler for safety. She
explains the importance of respecting your work environment and getting to know
your equipment. Which makes sense, we
are playing with fire! So, when you
visit the studio know that safety is something that Linda emphasizes in her
teachings. Personally I love this
because it’s allowed me to gain a sense of comfort, which of course allows the
creative process to flow…..just like the glass!
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| A picture of the studio before the NEW stations were added |
Glorieta Glassworks is modern, full of light and well equipped. Linda is always willing to share techniques
and insight from her 15+ years of training at various studios in Arizona and across the U.S. She’s taken classes from many of the Who's Who in
the glass world.
You will
almost always find her at the torch practicing her lampworking techniques. This woman is amazing!!!
Housed
next to the studio is what I call Linda’s Special Collection aka the Sweeney Collection which is home to Linda’s
stunning medley of glass beads. This
collection is a work of art in and of itself.
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| Julie DeFeo at Glorieta Glassworks |
When
you’re in New Mexico, visit Glorieta Glassworks, you will be wowed by the
interesting use of space and the amazing collection of glass beads on display
in the museum. For information on
classes, workshops or to stop by the Glass Museum contact Linda at
glorietaglassworks.com.
Keep Creating,
Karen
