Meet one of our amazing artists, Elin Asvaldsdottir! She is a woman of true talent, not only with glass but in her other interests as well! Learn more about her, then stop by Third Degree to view her work in our gallery and maybe even work with her to create your own glass art!
Where are you originally from?
“I was born and raised in Iceland. It’s a small island in the north Atlantic ocean. I lived there until I was about 20. Then I started traveling around Europe and finally ended up in USA at 21 in 1993.
“We have lots of churches in Iceland, this is one of my favorite ones from the capital, Reykjavik. Its called Hallgrimskirkja.”
How did you begin working with glass?
“When I came to the states in ’93, I was on a visitor visa and had the opportunity to audit classes at Washington University. I tried out many different art classes that fall and fell in love with glass. It was such a fluid, beautiful and graceful medium that I was hooked right away. I signed up for classes and continued there for a couple of years. Then moved to SIUE for my final studies in Pre-Medical Biology and was lucky enough that there was a glass program I could join there.”
What inspires you?
“Nature. The Ocean. Fire.”
What’s in your toolbox?
“I just bought myself new diamond shears, straight shears and jacks. I also have lip balm, tweezers, blow hose and a couple of blow pipes and 4 punties. OH and color!!!! Lots and lots of color, can never have enough of that.”
What are you working on now?
“I was asked to make a pink centerpiece and 9 dessert bowls by a regular customer. So I can’t wait to get back in the studio and work on those.”
What experiences do teach and what do you enjoy about teaching?
“I teach paperweight, ornament, pumpkin and [beer] stein experiences. I love meeting new people and getting them a taste of what I love to do. Its always great to see the sparkle in their eye when they accomplish making their very own glass piece.”
What do you love to do when not in the studio?
“I love to create. I knit sweaters and other items, crochet mermaid blankets, sew pillows and play with paper to make 3D greeting cards. I’m an avid scouter and help run a Boy Scout Troop, so you can find me camping and running activities with the boys.
“I’m also a makeup artist and this is another field that I’m very passionate about, so I’m lucky to have jobs that I love.”
Come see Elin’s beautiful glass work in our gallery! We are open Monday-Saturday 10:00a-5:00p and Sunday 11:00p-4:00p.