We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nancy Marks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nancy below.

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

I didn’t think I had a creative bone in my body! I loved coloring as a child, but as I grew up, nothing felt comfortable or made me excited. My folks are in a local assisted living facility and Mom was taking classes in fused glass. I wanted to have something we could share so I took a course. I admit I had a lot of self doubt in doing the class, but I knew Mom doesn’t care if I’m any good at is, she’ll just appreciate my desire to share it with her. After the first class which I liked, we had a birthday party for my Mom and some of her friends at the assisted living facility at a second studio. The teacher was so warm, the studio had so much energy, it all resonated with me and after that party, I was hooked on fused glass!
That was 6 years ago. 4 years ago I opened my own studio. The studio I enjoyed was a branch and the owner decided to close it. After 30+ years in corporate, mostly in the field of technology, and the last 17 helping my husband with his business, I knew I had the skills to run a business and I truly enjoyed teaching. I reached out to my friends and asked for them to share their teaching expertise. The doors opened 5 weeks before COVID shut down California!
I had no idea I could have created such a community of amazing artists. I created an open studio membership and as the business was starting, realized they needed a place to showcase and sell their glass art as well. The shelves of the Gift Shop started to fill with a wide variety of colors, techniques, styles, and stunning art. We now online as well, and ship throughout the United States.
In October were awarded Business of the Quarter from the City of Westlake Village and the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.
I am doing guest appearances on PodCasts and share the importance of creativity and art if everyone’s lives. I have testimonials from therapists and individuals regarding how the studio has helps them with their mental health. Being part of a community and having the support of fellow artists. The studio also helps to grow confidence. I am so honored to know I make a difference.

Nancy, 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 believe I stated much of this on the previous page. Additional information:

What is fused glass? It’s taking pieces of glass and arranging them in a design that can be abstract, a memory, or a detailed design. All made in a comfortable environment, unlike glass blowing which is front of a 2,000 degree blow hole and you can’t stop through the process.

The pieces are then put into a kiln, similar to a ceramic kiln but the heating elements are in different places. We fire the pieces between 1400 and 1500 degrees and the process can take about 20 hours. This usually runs overnight, and then some. The glass goes in at room temperature and comes out at room temperature, so no one is dealing with hot glass.

Most of the glass is food safe. We make bowls, plates, platters, small dishes, large dishes, wall art, garden art, table art, jewelry, how my, there are so many possibilities!

We also offer classes in stained glass and mosaic which is different from most studios. We also differentiate ourselves because of our community, open studio memberships, art exhibits, and the Gift Shop for our community.

Of course, my bad jokes and passion is enjoyed by everyone. I enjoy everyone feeling like they belong here and are always welcome. A west coast version of the TV Show Cheers – everyone knows your name and glad y0u came.

Our website is a wealth of information as well as the home to our online gift shop, information about our classes, descriptions, pricing, and registration.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It was hard for me to call my self an artist initially. I felt like I had the imposter syndrome. I knew my folks would tell me how good my work was, as well as friends. It was when strangers would comment on my work which was in the same area as other artists, whom I thought were much better. The strangers would make such warm and inspiring comments about how the art made them feel, or a memory. Then I felt I really AM an Artist!

My work inspires people. It’s the combination of colors, and designs. It’s fun as someone is here in person and picks out many of my pieces as things they really like. I feel like a proud peacock! Many have come back to tell me the gift they bought was so well received by their friend or family. Sharing in their joy, still makes me tear up.

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?

I have a lot of folks who come in and say they aren’t creative at all. I share I felt the same way at first too. I think it’s important to understand everyone has to start somewhere. I have found fused glass to be forgiving to mistakes or cuts that aren’t perfect. I embrace the imperfections. We view the piece as what we had envisioned, which doesn’t always come out as we thought, many times it’s even better! I share pieces I’ve made that aren’t perfect and ask if they see the imperfections, they laugh and they don’t, because we don’t look for them. We see the bigger picture, which is fun, colorful, and their own creativity being brought to life! When they come to pick up their art, after it’s fired, I tease them they can never say they aren’t creative anymore! I have proof!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.glassartscollective.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassartscollective/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glassartscollective
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymarks/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@glassartscollective

Image Credits
Abby Garner, Patricia Spears, Katie Pope, Barbara Fitzgerald, Carl Turnbull, Stella Schloss, Darlene Heusser, Nancy Marks