Spotlight on Nancy Adams
Hello Glass Dragons. I am Nancy Adams, Glass Explorer. I live in the small but growing community of Poulsbo which is a ferry ride away from Seattle, Washington. As luck would have it, my retirement from Washington State Ferries in 2017 coincided with the opening of a maker’s facility nearby that had a small glass studio. Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) had the tools, the teachers, and open studio time to make my glass dreams come true. The facility operates on a membership basis and utilizes volunteers to keep all the different studios running.
I was a bit intimidated about transitioning into retirement so volunteering in the BARN Glass Studio, as well as playing at the BARN, was a perfect fit. I settled primarily into fusing, and continue to explore the numerous techniques that discipline has to offer. Covid nudged me into the ZOOM world of online classes which actually expanded my opportunities. There are so many wonderful instructors who have adapted to the new online format, for which I am very grateful.
My first torch class was in 2019, and it was just about how to physically set up the studio to safely use the torches that were installed in the studio. My first lampworking class was early 2021 with fellow Glass Dragon, Michele Benson.
I continue to learn from her! I am a beginner lampworker, but I do hope one day my beads will be Beads of Courage worthy, and my marbles will be good enough to hide around the community.
My current fused projects are influenced by flow techniques I learned thanks to Nathan Sandberg and Paul Tarlow. I’m addicted to making small drop out bowls, and upcycling Costco dessert glasses with sandblasted patterns.
Basic lampworked beads and marbles are beginning to overflow old jelly jars arranged throughout the house. Someday they will arrange themselves into wearable art or enhance fused glass projects.
I’m looking forward to trying out more of the Challenges posted on the website to move into a more creative phase of lampworking. I am humbled by the talent of the many Glass Dragons, and feel honored to be in the group.
