Spotlight on Liz Argent
I began my lampwork journey in 2012 under the guidance of an incredibly talented mentor, Grace Edwards. My husband gifted me a beginner class for my birthday and that was the beginning of my love affair with glass.
Over the years I have had the privilege of learning this beautiful art from a host of renowned lampwork artists who visited Grace’s studio from all over the world. In 2018 Grace closed her studio and retired to London, Ontario to be closer to her family. This led me to set up my home studio. Little did I know how fortunate this decision would turn out to be. In the past two years as we endured lockdown after lockdown, my studio was a safe place where my creative fancies could take flight.
I also rent a torching station at a local studio, Loretta Studio and Gallery owned by another incredibly talented glass artist, Charlynne Lafontaine. The glass community is vibrant here and the studio is busy with classes, finally resuming after the pandemic. Once a week I meet with a group of women I call my glass-mates! We lunch, we laugh, we torch, we trade tips and tricks and we share our love of all things glass.
I was strictly a soft glass artist until 2020 when, during one of our lockdowns, I took an online course in borosilicate glass chains. I’m still learning the intricacies of working with boro but enjoy the challenge and the added dimension it gives to my work.
On a personal note, I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with my husband Robert. We will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary this year! We have three grown children, all married and 3 adorable grandchildren. We are avid golfers, love to bike, hike and travel. We aren’t lovers of the cold weather and spend the worst of the winter months in Portugal. After 2 years of putting travel on hold, we are excited to be heading to Croatia, Bosnia/Herzegovina and Montenegro in September/October.
Lampwork isn’t my only passion. I also paint with watercolours. I enjoy painting birds, landscapes and the occasional pet portrait.
I must admit that I’ve always been a bit of a craft junkie. I’m game to try anything; crocheting, knitting, paper cutting, folk art – the list is extensive.
I love the challenge of trying something new but glass will always be my first love. The zen I feel when I’m on the torch, the excitement of opening the kiln and the satisfaction of creating something wonderful is hard to match.
The quote on my business card sums it up perfectly “unique and beautiful jewelry created from the torch and the heart.”
“Spotlight On” is an area where we highlight one of our own. Members are encouraged to share a personal story or an adventure. To see past Spotlight articles, visit our website.
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