Doodletart Glass Works

Okay, lets get this started.
I am a Lampwork Glass artist, making a living doing Art Festivals around the country. This is a idiotic way to make a living, but I have been doing it for 20+ years and it has grabbed me like a bad habit. I do have a BFA degree from the Maryland Insititute College of Art, but my vintage degree is useless now. That is not to say I would like to be back in the 9-5er world, being an art show artist is a lifestyle that I have grown to love...and hate.

I am, however, competely and totally in love with glass! Working in this medium is so exciting and challenging. The first time I made a small bead I was thrilled that you could take a cold hard stick of glass and turn it into a little gem! I still get the same joy even now so many many years later. I work lke a maniac at the torch, putting in 5-7 hours each day in front of the flame. I could live my life out a happy woman if all I ever had to do is garden and lampwork.

During the summer we are in Indiana. A tiny little farm town thats convienent to doing shows in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and Ohio. Our cottage on a small lake is less then 700 sq. feet. We love it, and wouldn't dream of making it bigger. Of course we built a 1300 sq ft. studio to work in!
In the winter live the North Florida town of Dunnellon. Its a small town near Ocala, quite rural compared to the south Florida cities we had lived in for many years. Moving here was a huge adjustment for me, and although I love it, it has been a challenge. You see, I am an enthusiastic gardener and because of the unfamiliar plant zone here I have found it quite frustrating!