A decade has passed since I started melting glass in the torch flame. It's been a long time in many ways. But it still seems like I've just started to explore. That perfection that I fought so hard to obtain now seems like a frivolous goal. So many people tried to tell me to let go, and I couldn't understand. My mind kept asking 'why shouldn't it be as perfect as I can make it?' It's only after letting go of the rigid forms I forced upon myself that I realize that it is the flow of glass and light that matters more than anything else. Technical perfection is great and all, but it drowns out the inner voice a little too much. Go with the flow and don't try to make it stop.

In 1997 I had the good fortune to study glass beadmaking with Joy Jubenvill at Andrighetti Glassworks in Vancouver. I bought my first torch that year, and haven't stopped making beads since.

Since then I have had many cool opportunities to play with glass. I spent 3 weeks at the Pilchuck Glass School working as a teaching assistant for Joyce Scott. There I tried my hand at Sand Casting with Nancy Blair. I've taken workshops on marble making and lattichino cane. In 2006 I visited the Venetian glass island of Murano. Through the years I've taught glass beadmaking, been involved in many studio shows and started a beadmakers club. I was also lucky enough to be published in Lark Books '1000 Glass Beads'.

Currently my studio is in a spare room in our house. We live in the West Kootenay area and spend much of our time exploring the magnificent wilderness that surrounds us. 

Summer is here and the Strawberries are ripe. I'm back from five weeks in South East Asia. Good food, plenty of smiles and great climbing. Looking forward to making some new pieces. I will be listing some new items on Etsy soon.

Cheers!

Nicole

You can e-mail me at: water000fall !at hotmail.com