I prefer to be influential rather than in control of my studio. In my shop, everyone has the power of influence. There are six of us with quite a diversity of life experiences. Taking advantage of this, I step into the background and observe. We all know we continually seek better and easier ways to achieve our goals. Having six minds working on this is better than one. We understand the rules of creativity; negative thinking kills creativity, while a mind free of criticism enriches it. We don’t have a path but a concept to explore. Each individual employing

We heat our shop with wood. Living out in the country, there is always plenty of firewood from fallen and dying trees, and of course, there are always people who sell cut and split wood ready to burn. I have often found small gasoline engines frustrating to maintain, so this year, I switched to battery-powered chain saws. I’m quite happy with the switch. Battery-powered is quieter, more responsive, and not as messy. I have a friend who has a very serious wood splitter. When he brings it over, he also brings his four home-schooled children. With the guys in

Have you ever been curious about people who rarely throw anything away and scabage for things that may be useful in the future? They usually have a plan or belief in their destiny. I’m that way with my 1915 beveling equipment. It has five large wheels on cast iron bases and numerous attachments for special angles and effects. While most bevelers have adapted to the new diamond wheels, which are faster but give the glass a machine look, I stay true to the old wheels and grits and polishing compounds for a proper authentic look in my work. This

One way I separate commercial products from works of art is to research old glass-working techniques. Glue chipping is one of my favorites. First, we sandblast a piece of glass. Then, we build a “dam” by wrapping masking tape around the edges so that the warm glue won’t run off the edges when we lay it flat. We then heat horsehide glue in a double boiler and pour it over the level glass. As the glue dries, it attaches itself to the rough sandblasted surface. The glue begins to shrink and curl upon further drying, peeling glass chips. Under

If we didn’t have a portfolio, I’ve often thought people would think we sold firewood. We live within five miles of each other. The primary commerce is Family Dollar and Dollar General, which duke it out daily. We are more accustomed to fire pits than restaurants, and our dress code would make casual Friday look like prom night. Our commissions mostly come from the other end of the spectrum. We’ve been together for over eight years, and during that time, I have noticed very little change in our personalities. With all of the beautiful commissions we’ve created together, we

Working in a barn has its advantages. They are mainly economic. I could almost live off my overhead when I lived in the city and had to rent space, plus all the associated costs. I liked the lifestyle of colonial and European artisans. They worked out of their homes or worked in outbuildings. Saving time on my commute had enormous appeal to me. What I appreciate the most is that I can leave the current world outside. As an old friend is fond of saying, “I don’t feel the eyes are on me.” Removing judgment is very important when