Helen Mills

Artist Statement; Helen Mills

When I try to describe to myself what lampworking means to me I think about the energy of the fire, the patience required when shaping the hot glass, and the interactions of different types of glass and colors that I use. I realize that a lot of what motivates in my work is curiosity. If I mix one thing with another what will I get, not just in colors but in texture.

The art of lampworking has allowed me to combine my love of colors with a technical skill and allowed me to learn the balance between flow and control. It has also helped me to focus. I know that if I try to hurry or get distracted that I will lose what I have attempted to create, burn myself or mix incompatible glass. I can tell the difference between a piece I created out of curiosity and a piece created in a production mode.

Much of my interest in arts comes from a general appreciation of art and also from the friendship and inspiration of others. Lyn Coenen, who many years ago introduced me to glass art and found art painting, Georgia who introduced me to ceramics and string art, Roni Lebauer; painter and writer, Michelle Ryan writer, Armand Vallee an artist who truly inspires my lampworking and Genevieve Monahan, my life partner, lamp work artisan and the person who gave me my first lampworking lesson and the person who has believed in me and encouraged me to do what I love.

The intentions behind each piece are to present you with a unique style of wearable art blending our craftsmanship with your personality.