We recently connected with Shelley Abramson and have shared our conversation below.

Shelley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

1. I learned how to blow glass largely through trial and error. I am mostly self taught, but have had a few demonstrations from friends and fellow artists along the way. Knowing what I know now, I could have sped my learning process up by taking classes, working with others more often and asking more questions. The skills I think were most essential in my journey would have to be passion and perseverance. I think the obstacles in my way are my poor vision, the financial burden of raw materials, trade shows and classes, as well as my location, which is fairly isolated as well as very hot this time of year.

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

Getting into the glass industry was an interesting journey for me. I had been collecting glass most of my life when a close friend gifted me a very old lampworking torch. My roommate and I built out the art studio that stands in the backyard and turned it into a glass shop. He already blew glass at a studio In town but helped me get set up and gave me a basic lesson. From then on out, I was addicted, and have blown glass as much as possible since, (that first day was in 2017). The creative works I make vary widely. I specialize in mixed media work, such as beading on finished glass items and items with free floating glitter in them. I make all sorts of items, from home goods to accessories, to jewelry and smoke wear. I also do commissioned pieces where I work with the client to create their dream art piece.
The problems I solve for clients tend to be the problems I notice in my own life. For example, with my home goods line, I have created a long honey dipper perfect for getting the bottom of a large jar of honey. I have also designed an egg separator that functions with ease! Additionally, I take commissions for memorial pieces containing ashes of a loved one. Those are always very emotional for me to make. I also make matching items for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays ect.
What sets me apart from others would probably be my approach, everyone’s mind works differently to find inspiration so I think that’s ultimately where most of the difference lies. My favorite pieces to make are the ones that come to me in a vision and I work until I have achieved what I saw. I also really enjoy commissions, there is something really special about about bringing a clients vision to life.
The thing I am most proud of has got to be my resilience and my ability to turn a concept into a reality. Glass is incredibly complex and there are so many ways to accomplish the same thing. Glass continues to teach me new things every time I work with it and I will continue learning from it. No matter how many times a fail I keep going.
I have a fashion merchandising background and was a stylist for many years. It has been so wonderful to integrate that into my work. One of the most unique things I’ve created are my beaded harnesses, I integrate different beading techniques to create the garments on glass figures. It is something that is completely unique to my work. While I’ve always been an artist, my poor eyes have limited me in many other mediums. While I’m still limited by my eyes in glass I am able to achieve what I want to make and that is so incredibly exciting for me.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, what society can best do to support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem is to support small and independent artists. Whether that is purchasing from them, sharing their work or hyping them up there is no greater way in my view. If an artist has had a positive impact on you I implore you to tell them! Additionally, if someone in your life is an artist, believe in them! Simple words of encouragement and support can go a long way.

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

The most rewarding part about being an artist for me has got to be helping others through complex emotions and difficult times with my work. Creating a bit of magic in a dark world beings me immense joy, and I love to be able to feel good about what I’m doing. Glass provides infinite possibilities and it is a lifelong exploration.

Contact Info:

• Website: shelleysunshinecreations.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/shelleysunshine420
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shelleysunshine420/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-abramson-a8018b100
• Twitter: Twitter.com/cozyfoxglass

Image Credits
Jenny Rivera