Why Make Boring When You Can Make Beautiful?

We recently went to an arts and crafts show. I was happy to see fused glass well represented among booths brimming with nature paintings, fancy greeting cards, beaded jewelry and plenty of other artsy creations.

  

I cruised the fused glass booths and noticed a trend. The tables were overflowing with plain drink coasters, small, single color rectangular dishes and simple square plates. The occasional floral former vase stood out here and there. And the few bowls made with Fuser’s Reserve, a glass with a bold pattern, were a welcome splash of color. 

I left the show feeling oddly disappointed. Later, I tried to pin point the reason for my unrest. The fused glass was well executed. The crafters showed a sound working knowledge of the firing process. Technically, there was nothing wrong with their work. But nothing stood out. 

Of all the pieces on display, only one was memorable. It was a rectangular table-top piece nicely displayed in a gallery quality, iron stand. The design featured bright Gerber Daisy style flowers beautifully clustered in groups on a sky-blue background. 

The floral composition was simple, yet unique and original. But the real reason it stood out, and left a lasting impression was because the artist’s personality was apparent in the design. That’s when I realized what the other projects were lacking, personality. 

I understand doing a show is a lot of work. It’s hard to predict what will sell. You want to appeal to buyer’s spontaneous desire to bring a treasure home. A token to commemorate the fun they had walking around the craft show. And so, you build safe projects that you hope have universal appeal. But the problem is they’re missing an important element critical to art, originality. 

We work in a dazzling medium. Your work should reflect the beauty of the medium, as well as your individual flare for crafting innovative pieces with glass.

Get your work noticed! 

Instead of worrying about price points and cash flow, focus on making art that excites you. Set your artistic, creative spirit free. Your style may not appeal to everyone. That’s okay. It’s better to let your passion show. Don’t sellout and make boring pieces hoping to get a few bucks in exchange. Wouldn’t you rather sell fewer pieces to customers who truly appreciate them for their beauty, rather than their function? I would.   

Develop your own design style. 

Narrow down colors and patterns that speak to you. Then combine those elements to create art all your own. Be bold. Experiment with different techniques. Pair unusual or unexpected colors. Have fun. The excitement it generates in you, will be evident in your new work. It’s a surefire way to make your art stand out of the crowd.   

Want more in-depth methods for developing your own style? I delve more deeply into this concept and show you, through live demonstration how to develop your own design style in my upcoming webinar, Upscale Fusing.  

You might wonder, what does upscale fusing mean? 

Upscale fusing is the intentional pairing of complimentary design ideas to elevate the overall visual power of your artwork. Once revealed, you’ll see it’s a simple concept that’s easily implemented. Combine this theory with your artistic flare, and you’ll rapidly advance your glass work from craft to art. 

It takes time, dedication, a meticulous skill set and money to plan and make art for a craft show. Make your effort count by designing artwork that’s memorable long after the show is over. 

Excerpt from Upscale Fusing Webinar April 24, 2018

Want to learn more? Join me in this in-depth webinar next week. 

Happy fusing,

Lisa

2 NEW Videos are here!

 

 

Fun and Fanciful Fusing with Lisa Vogt New Video DVD. Make new project shapes, design with vibrant colors and get excited about fusing again! 

Advanced Glass Fusing with Lisa Vogt New video DVD. Master combing, free flows, pattern bars, creative slumping, extraordinary glass design and crafting unique display stands. 

 

Available here: http://www.lisavogt.net/shop.aspx?id=40

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Artist Website www.LisaVogt.net
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Author Website https://lisajvogtcom.wordpress.com/

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Upcoming Webinar and Class

Upscale Fusing Webinar

April 24, 2018

Register here: https://www.glasspatterns.com/glass-patterns-quarterly-store/product/1192-upscale-fusing-with-lisa-vogt-april-24-2018.html

Incorporating pattern and texture to elevate and refine your fusing style are the focus of this in-depth webinar. Join me and learn how to tastefully blend various cutting-edge techniques to add dimension and volume to your work. With the pro's secrets revealed, you'll be on the fast-track to developing winning combinations that’ll get your work noticed!

Now Registering!

Advanced Glass Fusing 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop

November 6-9, 2018

Gain knowledge! Build confidence! Get inspired!

Join me for this in-depth workshop held in my private studio.

Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.

Register here: http://www.lisavogt.net/products.aspx?id=477

Exceed your expectations! In this intense, 4-day workshop you’ll utilize the many advanced techniques today’s successful glass artists are using to elevate their work from craft to fine art. This all-new program is ideal for ambitious glass fusers ready to go bigger and explore more in-depth kiln forming techniques.

Check out my new writer’s blog.

Lisa J. Vogt

Writer – Instructor – Artist

Relationships fascinate me, and so I have another blog dedicated to the weird and wonderful ways we interact with each other.