Torch Artist
Torch Studio Manager
Senior Torch Studio Instructor
Airbnb Supervisor
Assistant to Erin McMillen

It Changed My Life

The really great thing about working for Erin? When she sees that you’re really keen on something and that you’re willing to work at it, she’ll do whatever she can to make it happen. What started out as a part-time job, turned into a full-time position, which turned into a career as a professional glassblower.

Erin introduced me to torchwork and glassblowing. Add fire to my love of all art forms? Instantly hooked.

Accelerated Learning Curve

Seven to eight times a year The Melting Points brings in national and international world-class artists to instruct Masterclasses for glass artists from all over the world

As Erin’s assistant, I help organize the classes and keep everything running smoothly.

As The Melting Points’ torch artist I get to participate in every class.

In my first three years as a glass artist, I learned from over 30 different glass artists at including:

Bandhu Dunham – Kinetic Sculpting
Astrid Reidelblowing and decorating hollow beads, dichroic glass design, pleated beads, gold and silver fuming, 3d implosion beads, marble twist beads
Akihiro Okama – borosilicate and soft glass techniques
Amy Waldman – detail and design in soft glass
John Kobuki – compression technique in boro
Wesley Fleming – sculpting insects in soft glass
Jennifer Umphress – Boro sea life sculptor
Joy Munshower- sea life beads

I also got to participate in an amazing, intensive week-long course at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington. There I was, learning about borosilicate goblets, sculptural work in soft glass, and scientific glass blowing, and meeting the “who’s who” of the glass world! It was fascinating to watch them work. Believe me, I know how lucky I am.

Work(s) in Progress

Working with so many amazing artists, I’m learning and experimenting as much as I can before I narrow down and define “my style”.

I’ve been playing with dichroic glass, creating really pretty beads that appear to change color depending on how the light hits them. When Taby showcased them with her fabulous wire wrapping, we had created a stunning piece of jewelry.

Passing the Torch

As the senior torch studio instructor, I teach the novice and intermediate (borosilicate and soft glass) classes. It’s really fun. I love how excited my students get when they realize that they are really and truly, creating their own piece of hot glass art.

Fire + Glass = Magic

When I work with glass the world disappears – it’s my tranquility, my safe place. There’s no judgment. No boundaries.

When I’m not at work I spend time playing and loving up on my sweet dog.
I also like to sit down and draw or paint, and I might even enjoy a glass of wine while doing it.