We recently connected with Cathy McKervey and have shared our conversation below.

Cathy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

In the 1970’s, I was introduced to stained glass while I was in college. I was captivated by the translucency and beauty of glass and how light, color and form became an emotional tool. After graduating from college and working as an Art Teacher, I heard of something called “fused glass”. Although there was little information to be found, I began taking my scraps of stained glass and melting them in a pottery kiln. I found that different glass had a different COE (coefficient of expansion) and not all glass is created to fuse together. I researched the medium (not realizing all the science and math involved) and was finally able to take a class on fused glass.
My passion for the medium continues to motivate me, as it has for the last forty five plus years.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been a glass “groupie” for many years. Learning new techniques from outstanding artists throughout North America, I found it is important to immerse oneself in the community of your medium (glass), develop skills through practice, education and communicate with other artists. It wasn’t until I turned 60 years old that I found my mentor, Craig Mitchell Smith. I took a workshop from him and instantly fell in love with his technique of creating flowers and butterflies out of glass. His connection with nature and appreciation for glass (and human beings) spoke to me.
My passion for glass has lead me to a greater connection with nature. I have been a monarch butterfly conservationist for many years and with Craig’s guidance and support, I am now able to create garden sculptures and wall sculptures of this magnificent insect and hope it brings awareness to the plight of the endangered monarch.
I find that glass is intellectually stimulating and provides me with a sense of accomplishment.
Glass gives me the opportunity to share my passion and creativity with the world.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I am 66 years young and feel so fortunate to have been able to teach art to children and adults with the hope that they will go through life appreciating how ALL artists impact their way of life in some form. I continue to feel successful because I am able to create and sell my glasswork, generate awareness for natures beauty, continue to educate and practice fused glass techniques, build strong friendships and meet people….what a life!!!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I grew up in the Chicago area, but every summer I spent at our family cabin in Northern WI. It was there that the seed was planted and my passion for nature grew exponentially. I have lived all over the United States since I graduated from Carthage College (Kenosha WI) and everywhere I have lived, I had sought out artists in many mediums. The art community has had a profound affect on me, created lasting friendships and has opened so many creative doors for collaboration and observation.
I continue to spend half my time, deep in the forest at my studio in WI and still find myself stimulated with all the surrounding beauty while trying to replicate nature using glass.