Today we’d like to introduce you to Barb Byrne.
Hi Barb, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career as a glass artist started so innocently. In 2009 I took a class at a local community center. The hands-on transformation of a clear piece of glass to a colorful finished work of art still amazes me today. Over the years, I have continued to learn and grow my skills through books, live classes, online tutorials, and lots of experimentation.
As all glass artists will tell you, sometimes a piece doesn’t make it. However, the broken chards have a future too. Some of my best abstracts are from “failures”. But when hours of being bent over a work-in-progress finally comes together, it’s automatically my new favorite piece ever made! And I can’t wait to see it find a loving home and be enjoyed for decades to come.
This is especially true of my memorial pieces. Being trusted with a loved one’s remains is a profound honor. Creating a forever keepsake is one of my greatest joys.
Glass art truly has no boundaries. It requires a combination of so many skills including some engineering feats tossed in just to keep me on my toes. Whether it’s a single tile created as a pet portrait using fine glass powder or a multi-layered sculptural piece, each requires patience, dedication, and respect for the process.
I am honored to be a juried member of The Best of Missouri Hands and also a juried member of Summit Art in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. I also have pieces on display in several galleries in Florida and Missouri.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am a “late-in-life” glass artist. I have been involved in some sort of craft activity for as far back as I can remember – from sewing all my own clothes, to embroidery, to basket weaving, to gourd crafting, and finally to glass fusing.
I think what sets me apart from others is the variety of experiences I have had that prepared me for the kind of art I am doing now. I am most proud of the fact that I started this glass journey at the age of 63 and now, 13 years later, I am a better artist than I dreamed I could ever be. I continue to explore this fascinating art form. experimenting with new techniques and perfecting my glass work in the hopes that Barb Byrne Glass will become my proud legacy.
That being said, I think there is a wealth of knowledge out there for artists and creatives that was not necessarily available to me earlier in my journey. It has been a steep learning curve for me as an older artist to learn the ins and outs of social media and how to use the various platforms effectively. I do think knowing about them earlier would have been of benefit to me. However, it has been an awesome learning experience for me to learn to use these platforms.
I think it’s critical for small business owners and creatives to investigate all the avenues available to help them grow. There are numerous organizations that artists can belong to, workshops to take advantage of, and online programs available on such topics as marketing and development that go a long way to make the path easier for businesses and artists. But it does take time and commitment to find and take advantage of those things.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Unlike stained glass artists who work with cold glass and glassblowers who work with hot glass, I am a fused glass artist, meaning I use a kiln to create my glass pieces. I do various types of glass fusing. Some of my pieces consist of layers of cut glass pieces totally melted together in a special design; others are layers of cut glass that I fuse at lower temperatures to keep a level of dimension to the piece. I also do some abstract work and lots of “realistic” art.
One of my specialties is working with glass powders to create realistic depictions of animals and/or nature. I start with a sheet of clear glass and I sift multiple layers of crushed glass powder onto the clear sheet. I fire the piece in the kiln between each powder application and I continue the process of applying more powder and firing until I am satisfied with the look of the piece. Creating powder pieces can take anywhere from 4 to 20 firings before I consider it finished.
One of my newest glass endeavors, and the one of which I am most proud, is the creation of memorial glass art for individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one or beloved pet. I am able to infuse a small amount of cremains/ashes into a custom glass piece that the surviving loved one has chosen. It is an honor for me to perform this service, knowing that the finished piece will be a source of comfort for family members and a piece they will cherish for years to come.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that there are so many arts, entertainment and cultural activities available in this city.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barbbyrneglass.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbbyrneglass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbByrneGlass and https://www.facebook.com/InfusedGlassArtMemorials
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BarbByrneGlass
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9H7FDrfkyqElhY5qsJ1rVg
- Other: PBS Video – aired on November 3, 2022 https://player.pbs.org/viralplayer/3074153558/
