I just have been reading some past articles in the "home" page section of AISG. Some good stuff, one owes it to themselves to read some things from the "past" to only realize, it could be the present.
Elisabeth's comments on the History of the AISG was a good thought provoking article.
What are our individual histories in glass. What caught our minds about this medium, what has kept us at it. Do we feel we contribute to glass or just fill space with glass?
When I started glass I also felt separate from a lot of fellow glass folks, as if I did not measure up to their works. Funny thing, I still feel that way. Now I only measure my work to my previous work, does it measure up in quality, have I gave it my best effort.
My influences' were mostly from magazines, I believe it was "Studio". As a glass beveler, I was always impressed with the vast amount of Autonomous work presented in that rag. Also the likes of the studios of Bonny Doon and C.Powell.
The reality was I did no design work, only repairs of beveled windows and new bevels for other studios for their designs. Yes there was the occasional design that gave me a challenge, but few and far between.
So after almost 30 years of assisting others just fill spaces with glass, I now am more selective in what I do. It is hard at times to turn down an "also ran" bevel job. But I feel better now about what I do for the medium. Will not go down in history as a great of the glass world but I can say I have met a few of them now. Still feel I do not quite fit in with them at a conference such as the SGAA and AGG. But I have found them to also being on the same path in the glass world as I am, doing what they do, learning, sharing and most importantly, enjoying this thing we call glass.
What is your story? Where is all the autonomous panels these days? Post some links to some works you find inspiring.
Dennis Swan
PS: would not let me use the word T R A D E or C A R L??????