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

Alright, Helen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes I love my job I get to create glass art everyday It is my greatest joy.
I was always creative even in childhood and my parents encouraged me through it.
Over the years I tried all mediums of art and loved it . In my twenties a good friend suggested I try glass art since I had already been working in stained glass I signed up for a glass blowing summer course offered at Red Deer College. During this time I discovered my passion, it was love at first sight, glass and I were to have a life long journey. My work was selling before it was out of the kiln. When I went home I quit my job, left my fiancé and enrolled in Art College and never looked back.

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

Transforming lives with captivating handmade glass art, embracing the journey of self discovery through its exquisite beauty. My mission is deeply rooted in inspiring and enriching lives. I infuse each piece with passion and profound meaning. I celebrate life’s intricate beauty and complexity through timeless creations that ignite joy, inspiration and a sense of wonder, crafting treasures that resonate across generations.
I was born in Calgary Alberta to Hungarian immigrant parents, I inherited a profound respect for tradition and culture which fueled my creativity from a young age.
My artistic journey began with painting and exploring various mediums until a transformative workshop at Red Deer College introduced me to the enchanting world of glass in 1985. This encounter sparked a deep passion within me I quit my job, relocated and pursued glass art at the Alberta College of Art and Design with unwavering commitment.
For 39 years glass has been my muse, shaping every facet of my artistic career. Rooted in personal triumphs and a deep connection with nature, my art is a reflection of the beauty and complexity of our inner world. Nature, my primary muse, inspires me to encapsulate its essence in glass and steel.Red Dog Glass Studio was named in honour of one of my first dogs Buddy he was the smartest dog I ever had.
Red Dog Glass Studio is more than art, it’s a celebration of life’s intricacies, creating timeless pieces that capture beauty amidst chaos. Each creation is crafted from the heart, reflecting a lifetime of dedication.
I hold a degree from the Alberta College of Art and Design, supplemented by workshops at Pratt Fine Art Center and Pilchuk Glass School and currently studying under the glass maestro Narcissus Quagliata. Over three decades, I’ve explored a range of techniques, from sculpture and furniture to jewelry and fused glass.
My works grace esteemed collections like the Biot Glass Museum in France and the Alberta Craft Council, alongside private collections worldwide. Featured in numerous publications and media, my art continues to captivate hearts.
Operating Red Dog Glass Studio I’ve championed local arts and culture since 2001. Today, everything is under one roof, a new studio and gallery where creativity flourishes.
Through glass workshops, exhibitions and custom creations, I aim to ignite a love for art and craftsmanship fostering creativity and personal expression. My commitment to quality craftsmanship, sustainability and preserving the natural world is a reflection in every piece I create.
Custom Artwork
I take immense joy in transforming my clients dreams into tangible works of art. With decades of experience I specialize in custom orders that enhance the beauty of clients homes. Custom artwork is a collaborative journey an artistic dialogue between myself and my clients. The process begins with conceptualization, where ideas evolve into detailed drawings and colour selections before a single piece of glass is cut. Design is paramount, we refine and perfect until we achieve a shared vision. To ensure precision,I create small tests to finalize color aspects, laying the groundwork for the project to take shape. Throughout, I work closely with my clients, crafting bespoke glass art that reflects their unique style and story.
In addition to glass art, my work often incorporates steel, a nod to my father, a skillful welder. Together we crafted custom furniture, sculptures and garden art. His creativity and encouragement shaped my artistic path profoundly.
I also create memorial glass art made with a loved one’s ashes melted in the layers of glass. I am grateful to offer comfort to families and friends and know each piece is unique and made with love and respect.
It’s an honour to bring joy and beauty into clients homes, each piece is a testament to shared creativity and collaboration, a journey of artistic expression.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was scared when I had to move out of my original gallery space, in such a small town having a location on the highway I thought was the best.
When I had to move we thought the best location for my new studio which I desperately needed and new gallery space was to build a whole new space on our property. We began working and with much help we created a beautiful new space where I could work, teach and showcase my art work. This has absolutely been the best thing I’ve done, we are busier than I ever dreamed possible and flourishing.
My advice to other artists would be invest in your skills, develop your own style and create a space where people can share in your creativity.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect
I have discovered glass art has saved me and kept me on my artistic path, there is a self discovery and mindset switch that happens when you are working with a difficult material such as glass, you learn to go with the flow.
Glass is a super cool liquid that never stops moving, as the glass artist you use heat to transform a solid into a liquid and then back to solid, no other medium has so many challenges. After 39 years glass keeps me inspired every day.
Opening the door to my studio I am grateful everyday I get to be an artist.
My mission is deeply rooted in inspiring and enriching lives through my glass art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.reddogglassstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddogglassstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reddogglassstudio

Image Credits

The images were all taken by me