Glass Art by Jodi Sayles
In the late 1990's, I took my first glass class...not knowing it would become my life, I become completely enraptured with glass working!
Taking classes incessantly, attending: Penland, Chemeketa Community College, Eugene Glass School, and Red Deer Polytech. Privileged to learn the craft from Robert Michelsen, Bandhu Dunham, Freeman Corbin, Brian Kerkvliet, Paul Trautman, Christopher McElroy, Masami Koda, Shane Fero, Sally Prasch and many others. Working in hot shops to discover of the world of glass, I independently experimented with the techniques of fusing, electroforming, beadwork and every other glass skill that compelled me.
In 2003 moving back to my roots in Calgary, I was creating my own line of art-glass and was able to support myself selling to collectors on the art show and festival circuit. My sculptural work included insects, marionettes and other designs. Vessels included wine glasses, small decanters with sculpted tops, tea sets and more --jewelry designs were always a big seller and a great way to make ends meet.
After ten years as a working artist, chasing the art show circuit, a growing family took shape --I paused my career, raising my boys at home. It was here that my career reemerged as Liquid Phoenix Glass, channeling my love of art-glass into the complex world of art marbles.
The goal: to create beautiful marbles ranging from the affordable to collectors pieces, meanwhile attempting to develop a following completely online. I made it work and continue to create marbles, pendants and other objects, for buyers around the world and through numerous shops in Canada and the US.