Glass Fusion Classes Coming in August! ![]() Hi, my name is Denise Brislin and I’m a stained glass artist who dabbles in all forms of glass art, from mosaics, wind chimes, jewelry, suncatchers to large glass panels. Someone recently asked me why my art is important. Well, I don’t consider my art work “important” in the literal sense of the word. But it is significant to me, for my wellbeing and survival. Thirty plus years ago I was at a crossroad in my life and was introduced to stained glass. It’s infinite beauty touched my core. It brought me to a peaceful place where I could explore, be insightful, create and be rejoiceful all at one time. It became cathartic. This was an amazing discovery for me! My childhood did not cultivate creativity, it was quite the opposite. What an awakening to find out I can create something beautiful with glass!!! I have maintained that you can never create an ugly piece of stained glass. It’s just impossible. The piece may have flaws but the glass is totally forgiving. The glass has a life and vitality of it’s own. It sparkles, shines, changes color with the changing of light. It casts colors and shapes beyond its framed boundaries to create its own image. It lives outside the shape you created. That totally pleases me. So, you see, you can never create an ugly piece. My creations are just as unique as anyone else’s just by the pure perfection of the glass. I create what sparks me in that moment, a specific pattern or piece of glass speaks to me. Some artists are blessed with the gift to draw and make their own patterns. I’m not one of them but the glass itself makes each piece unique because no two are alike. You can use the same pattern over again with totally different results. Curves, textures, colors, arrangement, lighting all have an unparalleled effect on each piece you create. Again, you can’t make an ugly piece. So why am I telling you all this…well, because anyone can learn to work with stained glass. I have a passion for teaching. I love to see the moment when someone becomes aware of new understanding and insight. They illuminate, a smile appears, a twinkle is born in their eyes and a sense of calm overcomes them. Then you see excitement, the concept of possibilities overtakes them and they’re off! Having the pleasure and privilege of witnessing that miracle is mind blowing for me. I have chased it my whole life, as a mother, a nurse and a teacher. I have recently retired but I still love to teach and believe in being a life-long learner. It’s true, you are never too old to learn something new. After 30+ years, each piece I create teaches me a new lesson. Sometimes a painful one, sometimes a reminder, but learning something new is exciting. Recently, I’ve become infatuated with fused glass. It’s staggering how melting glass can change your whole concept of glass works and talk about infinite possibilities! Which brings us to the rest of my story. I belong to an extraordinary gallery full of marvelous artists and teachers in Cowan TN. We believe in the importance of preserving and introducing art for our community and schools through learning, community shows and events. Together we developed a plan to introduce fused glass classes into our gallery. Graciously, a glass kiln was purchased and set up in our kitchen. And since I was the catalyst for this endeavor, I began to study anything about fusing I could find. My learning curve was steep but it’s starting to level off towards soft rolling hills, which I like. As soon as my base confidence becomes more concrete I’ll begin teaching fused glass in addition to stained glass classes in the gallery. Community outreach through classes provides a pathway to create new artists, cultivates a love of art and community bonding, especially for the younglings. Plus, I get to witness that miracle of enlightenment. So stayed tuned, more classes are heading your way. Learn a new craft, sharpen your skills, or just come to meet or be with friends…it’s all good. In closing, through the gallery, I’ve found a wealth of friendship and inspiration. I’m very blessed to have found such a beautiful outlet for creativity I didn’t know existed until my later years in life. I’m also extremely grateful to have endless support and encouragement from my husband and family……To all, I thank you……
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