September 2012 Artist of the Month

We are so lucky at the Westchase Artists Society.  Our membership has been growing and we're gaining some very diverse artist members.  One of our relatively new members is Stacy Kinslow.  Stacy brings to us the art of lampwork beadmaking.  And after watching Stacy at work with her torch, I have a new respect for the medium.  So, without further delay, here's Stacy's interview.

Question:  Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Stacy:  I've lived in Tampa all my life.  I have been married for 17 years and am a stay at home mom of a 5 year old.  My mother was always very crafty.  She sewed clothes and costumes, decorated cakes, made candles, even reupholstered furniture.  I have cross-stitched, worked with a scroll saw, and love nature photography.  I started making jewelry, then the glass beads.

Question:  What first made you want to become an artist:
Stacy:  I always had an interest in stained glass and was fascinated by glass blowers, but once I saw a lampworker manipulate melted glass and create a miniature work of art, I was hooked.

Question:  Describe your creative process.
Stacy:   I usually sit down and wonder how this color would look with that color.  There's chemical reactions in the glass, sometimes they work in your favor, sometimes, not.  You can build layers of transparent glass and build something different.  Every bead is unique.  There are so many techniques to learn and practice.  The options are limitless.

Question:  Favorite books, movies, website, groups....
Stacy:   I really enjoyed The Hunger Games, and enjoyed making beads inspired by the book.  I am also enjoying the Enchanted Inc series.

Question:  In ten years, I'd like to be...
Stacy:   Surviving my daughter's teenage years.

Stacy, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our interview questions.  Great interview and fabulous beads!  Please stay tuned and check back with us at the beginning of October for our next Artist of the Month spotlight.