We can’t believe Summer is already here, can you? As we are stepping into July, we want to introduce you to Melanie Kidd. As many of you may already be familiar, she is the director of Glasstronomy studios! With their slogan being “Art + Glass + Science” it’s no wonder this artist always creates hits after hits. Her vast knowledge, experience and passion in the industry makes her one of a kind! Scroll down to read all about this boss woman.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself: who you are, where you are from, how you got into glass.
What began as a hobby in 1996, soon became a full-fledged obsession and in partnership with Elizabeth Beecham, Glasstronomy Studios in Markham, Ontario, Canada was born in 2012!
In between, I was consecutively employed by two professional stained-glass studios in Toronto and worked my way up from puttying windows to designing them. After “it had all been done” in stained glass, I discovered a passion for glass fusing and its endless possibilities!
Now as education directorate Glasstronomy Studios, I am continuously developing and implementing a broad and innovative fused and stained-glass program of courses and workshops. I have been teaching in the art glass industry for over fifteen years, as well as creating glass art programs for the local high schools and art cooperatives.
2.How long have you been working with glass in general?
"From hobbyist to professional 26 years"
3. What is the focus of your work, any inspiration behind it?
Understanding and applying the science of glass fusing to new projects, courses and workshops keeps me motivated. Solving glass challenges, sharing, and collaborating with other artists and glass enthusiasts keeps me inspired.
“Tell me there is something that can’t be done, and I will do it!"
4. How long have you used our products, and do you use them exclusively?
“I have always used Spectrum and Uroboros glass, and now Oceanside exclusively in my fused glass projects, classes, and workshops for as long as I have been fusing glass ... so 20 years? “
5. Is there anything that makes our product stand out from the rest -a reason why you choose to use it? What do you look for in glass when you are sourcing it for your next project? (ie: color, texture, quality etc.)
“Art + Glass + Science” is our tag line and all good science needs a basis of predictable reactions. From there the art can be intentional, reproducible and taken to more complex levels of design and fabrication.
6.If you are teaching a class, what is it about? What will students learn? (If not a class, are you launching anything?)
I teach everything I know from traditional stained glass to fused glass including combining both techniques. We publish a course calendar every season showcasing new projects, techniques, and material.
This summer we have a glass combing, a hobby came, a beginner-stained glass and an advanced fused floral sculpture adult art glass camp. https://www.glasstronomystudios.ca/summer-2022- return-to-camp/
During COVID-19 lockdowns, we taught an entire year of classes virtually on Zoom maintaining a live connection with our students.
7. Do you have any big projects in the works or coming up? Any works you are particularly proud of?
Glasstronomy Studios has undertaken exhibitions in public spaces including Markham Museum (The Glassed Over Project, Due North) and City Civic Centre (Reverence).
With our membership, we try and support a charitable organization with a glass-focused fundraiser, partnering with local charities, youth art programs and other art initiatives. This allows us to engage with the wider community and collectively give back to a broad range of organizations including Camp Trailblazers, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ontario SPCA, The Schizophrenia Society, Special Olympics, and Yellow Brick House. Look forward to our 10th Anniversary project coming in November 2022! Ssshhh, it’s still a secret
8.Tell us one fun fact about you or your work.
I get to make up stuff and play every day and there are people who want to do that with me! Bliss!
Thank you so much Melanie for sharing your journey through this amazing colorful world! You can really see your love for glass through your work and especially the way you are able to share it through your amazing studio Glasstronomy.
Be sure to check her out on:
Instagram: @glasstronomystudios
Facebook: Glasstronomy Studios
Website: https://www.glasstronomystudios.ca
** If you or someone you know would like to be featured by us, please email us at hello@glasstile.com **