We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erika Parkin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Erika , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Working in glass, the possibilities are endless, consequently the learning is also endless. With every new idea comes designing and testing, and trying again and again to bring a concept to fruition, and then working to fine tune that concept. Making notes and sketches, consulting with peers and colleagues, making more notes. Sometimes ideas don’t work out, no matter how many attempts are made, and sometimes things go swimmingly on the first try. My most recent series, I’ve been working on since 2017, and it continues to evolve and change.

Going to School for glass (Sheridan College) was a good way to get a solid foundation with the material, but spending years as production artist working for Tom Philabaum, really cemented my skills. Teaching has continued to make me better at my craft. If you’re interested in working with glass, The Sonoran Glass School in Tucson, AZ. is a great place to start, or continue that journey. It’s a wonderful nonprofit, with a rich glass community that has sprung up around it.

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

I am a Tucson based glass artist, originally from Ottawa, Canada. I graduated from the Sheridan College Craft and Design program, with a major in glass.

As a kid, I spent a lot of time in my Dad’s metalsmithing and sculpture studio. When I was 14 he put me to work., I got hands-on experience with copper and silver and developed an appreciation for the way different materials respond. Through high school, I worked in a bead store. I was fascinated with the beautiful handmade glass beads and wanted to make them myself. So I bought a little torch learned all I could on my own. After taking a glassblowing class, I decided to pursue a formal education in the medium.

I’ve be working with glass for over 25 years, and professionally since moving to Tucson in 2002. I love the way glass moves when it’s molten, it’s elastic malleable liquid quality. If you’ve ever watched glassblowing, it’s totally mesmerizing. Being able to manipulate the material to create my vision is incredibly rewarding.
My art is largely influenced by my surroundings. I’m always trying to capture the beauty, vibrance and visual texture of the world around me.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

In fairness, working creatively never really felt like a choice. All of the jobs I have ever had have ultimately been creative in nature. Outside of a waitressing job I took the summer after College, I’ve always been making things. Even when the work I was doing wasn’t specifically art related, there was always an element of design, or craftsmanship involved. Trading in my life for a “regular” job, is something I think about, but it isn’t an option for me. Certainly there are moments when it seems like good idea… but then where would be? What would I have accomplished with my life? I believe there is value in bringing beauty into peoples lives, and that brings me joy.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What helped me the most, was having a highly reputable gallery give me show. When Alison Harvey, (Owner of Philabaum Glass Gallery) approached me with the idea of being part of an exhibition with two other extremely well known artists, I was elated! It felt like someone giving me a leg up, a lucky break! The success of that show, entitled, “Sense of Place” gave me the confidence to pursue other shows, and accept other invitations. A show begets a show, and another gallery representing my work. That first exhibit, gave me the recognition and the audience I needed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erikaparkin.com
• Instagram: @reflective_erika
• Facebook: Erika Parkin Glass Artist
• Other: Sonoran Glass School: www.sonoranglass.org

  Philabaum Glass Gallery: www.philabaumglass.com