Spotlight on Ann Marie McCann
I grew up going to the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach, CA every summer. When I got bored trailing along behind my family, I’d slip away to the glass-blowing demonstration. I could stand there for hours, mesmerized by what the artists could produce and dreaming of being one of them someday.
Finally, several decades later, I took my first hot glass class and was hooked immediately. Over the next year, I took weekly classes but wanted to be able to do something similar while creating from home. That’s when I met Julia, the artist/owner of My Froggie Beads and fellow Glass Dragon.
I started taking lampworking classes from her and soon built my own at-home “lampwork studio.” I finished setting everything up in January 2020…just as COVID-19 forced everyone to be ‘quarantined’ at home. Perfect timing.
This year, I had the fortunate opportunity to buy a plethora of supplies from the estate of a glass artist who had passed away. In the process, not only did I make some wonderful new friends, but some of the materials I received provided me a jumpstart into metalsmithing and lapidary. I’ve since joined the local gem and mineral society.
I was also able to spend a week at the California Federation of Mineralogical Society’s Camp Paradise. While there, I took classes in beading, enameling, precious metal clay, chain making, and lapidary.
My home studio now includes a metalsmithing table. This is the ideal getaway for me-time, allowing me to enjoy some solitude away from work and a little quiet time to play.
Unquestionably the best part of this adventure has been the amazing people it has put me in contact with and who are now friends. As I think about this New Year and the resolutions for 2023, I plan to make and hope to keep, that being more involved with the Glass Dragons will be one of them. See you at the next chat!
“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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