Artist Statement

I enjoy the permanence of color in glass. Even more I love the translation of light through glass during the day and through the seasons. We used to anticipate the time of year when the front window of stained glass color would come through the house and touch the picture window in the kitchen. The magic of light and reflection. Now I create with color and light, a constant challenge of choice – what shape, color, layer or size? My designs come from nature, some abstract or an impression. Sometimes it is just the way light comes through the particular glass. I have explored other crafts such as quilting and batiks. Patterns come from these experiences too.

About the Artist

Elaine was born in California. She received a BS in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland. She worked as a Psychiatric social worker for 30 years. During her career she developed a program for adults with a serious mental illness. The program had numerous groups for training skills. One component was creative expression and included a studio and gallery for exhibitions and sales. She shared and cultivated a lifelong love of expressive arts in a variety of mediums. On her own time she learned the craft of stained glass with copper foil. Stained glass has been a fascination from childhood with her grandparents’ Victorian house full of stained-glass windows. Once retired she committed her time to all things glass. She continued with stained glass and added fused glass to her experience. She has taken many classes in different techniques and explores and expands on these lessons. Through the National Capital Art Glass Guild, she met many glass artists and is involved with exhibitions for the Guild. She is currently a Resident Artist with the Art Glass Center at Glen Echo Park. She has submitted her glass art and been accepted in shows in Maryland over the past three years.