We were lucky to catch up with Liz Cox recently and have shared our conversation below.
Liz, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
My first hands on experience with stained glass was at a stand alone glass offered at Make-It Springfield, which is a community maker space here in Springfield, Ma. The instructor was a Tiffany glass reproduction artist, and our small group made these little holiday ornaments. I intentionally chose an easy design to build, because i wanted to feel successful and walk away from the experience with something i could take pride in (as a life long creative, I can be pretty critical of my own work). It was a wonderful experience, and the artist teaching us balanced the history of stained glass with hands on practice. I left that class absolutely buzzing, and rushed home to show my husband what I made and let him know that I would be pursuing more classes. I followed up that first class with a more in depth five week, 15 hour course that taught the fundamentals of cutting and building small panels (as opposed to my simple five piece star that I had made in that one off class). I picked the most complex pattern offered during that five week course so I could practice more difficult cuts, and i used every type of texture that was available to gain experience with different types of glass under the guidance of my teacher. All of this was using the copper foil technique. I really wanted to learn traditional lead lighting, but there were no practicing artists in my area that I could find to teach me. A year or so later, I connected with an architectural window maker in Canada who was willing to share his knowledge in lead came construction. We met weekly virtually, and he walked me through the entire process and fielded all of my questions as i went on to work more independently (and still does when something comes up). Finding experienced artists who were willing to share their knowledge and answer questions was huge for me- I could read all the books and watch all the videos online, but having a real live human who could walk with me through the process and watch my technique and provide real time feedback made all the difference.
Liz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am an independent stained glass artist from Springfield, Massachusetts. I specialize in one of a kind leaded art pieces- these are modern feeling glass works constructed with traditional techniques. I love building pieces that look beautiful in any setting- glass is a special medium that looks very different in reflected vs transmitted light (light bouncing off of it vs through it), and each showcases the unique properties of the glass. What really does it for me though are the projections of light (or refractions) when light is cast through my work. There are so many textures of glass that all have a distinct look when the light refracts through it, allowing you to paint rooms or objects or people with the color and shadow from the glass piece.
When I am working on designing a piece, I think a lot about the mood I want to bring into the space. So much can be accomplished with color and light, whether that’s bringing in traditional elements to fit an existing decor, or breathing fresh sophistication into it. I tend to be drawn towards deep rich cool tones, and many of my pieces include these shades. I draw lots of inspiration from nature, and conceptual artists like Sol LeWitt and Jasper Johns.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
This is a great question! I think there are lots of folks out there who think that a creative outlet is a choice. It has never been for me. Though the mediums I have explored over my lifetime have changed (music, paint, fiber arts, clay, glass) have evolved over time, the need to create has never not been there. I am a better human with an outlet. My mind is quieter, my heart fuller, and my life has always felt more complete when I am engaged in a creative practice.
How did you build your audience on social media?
oh man… this one. social media has changed SO much in the way my work is seen, the network of other creatives I have been able to build, and the personal brand I have created. Staying true to work that feels authentic to me has been so key in finding and connecting with my people. Being genuine when I engage online or in person, whether that’s with followers, other artists, past or potential clients, and my local creative scene has helped- I have found that people want to know me, the story of the work, get an understanding of the process, and feel like they have a direct connection to the art/artist in some way. Taking risks and sharing those things has helped me so much along the way, both with building an audience, but mostly in helping me feel like i am making art that is seen and valued, and that I am adding something good to a world that feels like it is on fire.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Black Brick Glass
Image Credits
Derelict Depictions