Cindy Cage

 

 

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Here I blog about glass, artists I admire, and what inspires me.

Friday
15Jan2010

I'm changing my name

One of my goals for the new year was to make some changes to my business. I am starting with the name. A new website is going to follow.  I'll even let you go there but I warn you that every thing is not as it should be or WILL be. I promise. It only gets better from here on out.

 

Monday
30Nov2009

take risks

Part of being creative is experimenting and not being afraid to take risks. The fear of failure can quickly squelch creative energy so I had to get rid of it. Changing the way the I think about failure isn't easy but I am doing it.

I remind myself of these things when I feel the fear. 

  • I am going to design with the purpose of making an impact.
  • I am going to think outside the box.
  • I am going to fail sometimes and that should be expected.
  • Failure creates an opportunity for me to learn something new about my craft and myself.
Monday
09Nov2009

making an impact

We express ourselves in various ways everyday. I express myself mostly through the things that I create. A way that my customers express themselves is by the designs that they choose. This past week I asked a woman what brought her back to shop at my studio again. Her answer wasn't surprising but it was encouraging. "I want to get things for people that mean something." She had several gifts to buy and as she was browsing she talked about how each piece would appeal to their unique styles and how it would make them feel. Making an impact on her friends by the gifts that she gave them was important to her.

I want to create art that impacts the lives of the people who buy it and give it away. When you purchase hand crafted pieces you are also getting a human connection, something that evokes emotion and speaks value. It shows that you care about people. I get the privilege of being part of that process. I love my job!

Monday
07Sep2009

want to learn more?

You can read Amazon's customer reviews and see this book is not for the beginner but if you want to learn more than the basics of stained glass, it is a wonderful reference.

I'm a visual learner so I love pictures. This book has some good ones but is mostly filled with instruction. I think it is worth the effort to read every word. This best thing about it is it's thoroughness on lots of topics and a good index to take you to those pages when you need them.

Tuesday
25Aug2009

little things

I am inspired by the little things in life. The key is slowing down long enough to see the detail and to say "thank you".

I love the way a fresh cup of coffee smells. I find satisfaction in the sight of my newly mopped kitchen floor. I rejoice when the voice on the other end of the phone is familiar.

We have cicadas and in the hottest part of the day they sing the loudest. They aren't much to look at but their song is beautiful and strong. Each one is unique and when they unite, I think their chorus is inspirational. Some people think they are pests. I say it's all in how you look at it and where you set your affections.

Take time to take notice of the little things and be grateful.

Thursday
20Aug2009

my bucket list

  1. I want to collect sea glass on the shore.
  2. I want to soften and shape iron.
  3. I want to do a large inspirational piece that will cause people to stand in awe of their creator.
  4. I want to travel to Europe and see visual arts from antiquity.
  5. I want to leave a legacy with my art by teaching others the things that I have learned about glass.
  6. I want to teach one of my grandchildren stained glass mosaics.
  7. I want to do a project with underprivileged children for their community.
Tuesday
18Aug2009

in the news

Excuse me if I toot my own horn a little. The Jamestown News did a nice article on Imagery Limited this week. It's great when you get recognition in your own home town!

Monday
10Aug2009

call to mosaic artists

Mosaic Art Now has announced its 1st Annual "Exhibition in Print" and the grand prize is $1000. Their goal is to promote contemporary mosaics and mosaic artists. All materials and genres of mosaics are welcome.

I need to get inspired and get busy!

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action."  Frank Tiblot

 

Tuesday
04Aug2009

tumbling glass

 

I'm working on some mosaic pieces for the garden. Any design that will be walked on or handled needs special care. You have to make certain their are no sharp edges in your glass tiles. This process can be time consuming so it's a good idea to read up on what works best for you. Here are some links that are helpful:

Tuesday
28Jul2009

Art Nest

Here's some good news in a bad economy. Jamestown has a new art gallery. Betty Burnell has opened the old house at 113 E. Main Street for art classes, auctions, and a gallery for local artists. Their hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Stop by and see them.