Tell us something about yourself?
I was born and raised in East Germany. Growing up behind the “Iron
Curtain” shaped who I am, not taking anything for granted. The fall of
the Berlin wall opened unexpected opportunities which I embraced
with all my heart. My husband and I moved to the US, where we lived
and worked for 20 years until we (very recently) relocated our family
to Australia. Although busy “with life as it happens,” I have always
craved to be creative, to create beautiful things with my own hand.
When my kids were very young, my husband gave me the special gift
of time which I used to attend a series of stained glass classes. A
decade later, I found time to re-kindled my love for working with glass.
I discovered glass fusing and fell for this relatively young technique.
Today, I spent nearly every free minute in my small studio, sketching
new shapes and forms, cutting and layering specialty glass, firing up
my kiln.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Nature, mostly for colours. I love the
Where and when did you learn your craft? Who taught you?
I was lucky to find two wonderful glass studios in the Pittsburgh area.
The first, where I learned the stained glass techniques, unfortunately
closed. I learned glass fusing from Ruth Mahoney, at The Glass Place,
https://www.theglassplace.com/
Aside from your craft, what else do you enjoy doing?
I love being a mom of two beautiful daughters (16 and 19), used to be
a physician and am now the CEO of a small independent Internet
service company for health care professionals. I also enjoy organic
gardening, cooking and most of all travelling.
What piece of advise can you give to other artists?
I am not sure if I am experienced enough to give good, solid advise in
terms of running a craft business. But I learned that it is important, no
matter how busy your work/family life is, to take care of yourself and
refuel by taking the time to do something you truly enjoy. For me, this
is working with glass.
What are your plans for the future?
About 5 years ago, still living in the US, I started out small, creating
little pieces for family and friends. After a few years, my goal was to
generate a little income with my hobby to cover the expenses. After
moving to Australia last year, I have opened an Etsy Shop and
attended a few markets. I enjoy meeting people, so I would love to
participate in more markets next year. On the creative side, I am
itching to try out and create bigger fused glass pieces such as plates,
platters, bowls, vases, candle holders and panel.
Spallek Glass Art and Upcycled Bottle Art will be at the Dreamers Market on
December 16,2017. Saturday. The Riverside Theaters Courtyard. Parramatta.
