About Jo
It is all about color and light! When I first encountered modern stained glass I was so smitten that I knew that working in that media would become my passion. Inspiration for my designs has come from my multi-cultural background, natural forms, and the images that pop into my head. I also love art history and the work of my predecessors.
Presently, I am focusing on abstract stained glass panels and designing and building lamps. The beautiful forms of nature such as flowers, butterfly wings and the tiny droplets of red berries in winter snow appear in my lamp and Japanese andon designs. My abstract panels contain an energy of color and movement that can bring a mood of excitement into a space. Twisting and broken forms, complementing colors and sometimes surprising lightning bolts can illuminate my work.
Notable shows and Galleries include: The West Virginia Juried Exhibition, The Ashlawn Highlands Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Charlottesville Artisan Studio Tour, Free Union Open House, The Barn Swallow Gallery, Allegheny Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, Plants Etc, Washington Women’s Art Center, UU Gallery!, Taubman Museum of Art, Gallery 108, Artisan Center of Virginia Gallery, Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, Alderson Artisans Gallery, Crozet Arts and Crafts Show, The Best of West Virginia Show, Beckley Art Center, VMRC Show.
Biography
I am a glass artist who works primarily in stained glass. I also make dichroic glass jewelry. My art training was obtained at the University of Maryland and through continuing self-study. I have been working with stained glass design and construction since 1979 when I opened my first art studio in downtown Lewisburg, WV. After moving to Virginia many years later, I was given the distinction of “Virginia Professional Artisan.” My work can be found in galleries in both Virginia and West Virginia and in many juried exhibitions, shows, and some publications. My studio is now located in Alderson, WV. I specialize in creating stained glass lamps and windows as well as smaller projects. Commissions are welcome.I have a BA with a major in studio art and minor in art history from the University of Maryland. I am otherwise self-taught with occasional consultations with some of world’s most respected stained glass artists, who have been very generous with their advice. In the past, I have belonged to the Association of Stained Glass Lamp Artists, Artists in Stained Glass and the American Glass Guild. I am a current member of Stained Glass Lamp Artist groups and am the current director of the Alderson Artisans Gallery in Alderson, West Virginia.
