|
|
|
Julia and Howard |
Julia has been decorating with paint on glass for 14 years. She has had
some art schooling when she attended De Sales Heights Academy for girls in
the 7th grade. She attended the school for a year which gave her first
hands on experience with oil painting on canvas . Julia states "My
mother was an inspiration for me to continue in the art field.. Her own
love of painting inspired me to create my own style and to pursue this
field. My love of art and painting has been continuous throughout my
entire life. My children and grandchildren look forward to each new piece
that I paint for them and are always anxious to see my new creations in
art painting." Julia and her husband Howard live in Parkersburg, WV,
which has many historical locations which she says also adds to her
creative art works.
|
|
 |
|
How did you get the idea for painting glass marbles?
My grandson had a small white marble which he favored and asked me to
paint Scooby Doo on it for him as a special piece. My husband is president
of a local Marble Club and we are very active in this collecting of
various types of marbles. My first piece was very special and inspired me
to pursue painting more on marbles.
|
|
|
What inspires the beautiful designs you've come up with?
All of my patterns are self inspired from nature…….sometimes it is
hummingbirds….or deer…..really all types of nature inspire me at different
times.
|
|
 |
|
How much time does it take to paint one of your larger
pieces?
On a large piece time can be very diversified……..a minimal time factor
of 3 hours up to possibly 2 days depending on the piece…..its detailing
…..applying gold accents…and multiple firings.
|
|
|
|
What's the largest and smallest size of marble you've painted?
So far the largest has been 3 inches down to as small as 1 inch in size.
|
|
 |
|
How are you able to hold the marble while your working so
as not to mess up the design?
I use my own technique according to the pieces size.
|
|
|
|
What do you do if you make a mistake while painting? If
necessary I just remove the paint and start over.
|
|
|
|
Are there special paints that you use for adhereing to glass?
I use a special type of paint for glasswork.
|
|
 |
|
Is the finished marble placed in a kiln of some sort to set
the design or does it dry naturally?
Yes pieces must be fired.
|
|
|
|
Have you ever had a marble blow up in the kiln after painting it?
Yes …….when the glass product is defective.
|
|
|
|
I assume the base marble has been annealed which would avoid it
cracking in the future? All are annealed.
|
|
 |
|
Will the design eventually fall off the marble over time?
No, when its fired it becomes part of the glass.
|
|
|
|
Are there any precautions a person should take when cleaning or
handling a marble of yours? No precautions needed…….they're not
dishwasher safe.
|
|
|
|
Do you paint on any other types of glass besides marbles?
I paint on all types of glasswork ……but at this time my only interest is
marbles.
|
|
|
|
Do you work with any other materials besides glass?
yes…….my work is very diversified.
|
 |
|
Do you have any aspiring young artists in the house?
Children and grandchildren.
|
|
|
|
Having my own struggles with time management, how do you
find time to work on your art?
This is done on a time available basis.
|
 |
|
Do you have problems letting go of your "kids" when it
comes to selling your work?
Never really thought about it as I have seen many special pieces come
and go.
|
|
|
|
Where can folks go to purchase more of your work?
Due to computer technical difficulties at this time point of contact is
304-428-4234,hopefully we will again be on line in the very near future.
|
|
|
|
Are there any upcoming marble shows that you are planning
on attending?
We have plans to attend several marble shows for this year…….Sistersville,WV….Sept
29- Oct 1……WVMCC Show will be May…2007….date pending……Cairo, WV…..First
weekend May 2007….New Philadelphia, Ohio…….Second weekend in Feb….2007……
|
| |
|
Any future plans for a web site or offering your works on
eBay for example?
Future plans are still pending.
|
| |
|
|
We want to thank Julia for taking the time to
answer some questions. When we were first approached about doing a feature
on Julia we were thrilled about the opportunity to help showcase her work
in the hopes of getting her artglass some exposure. If you happen to catch
her at one of the upcoming shows be sure and stop in and say hello. Of
course don't be surprised if you take a little bit of her with you on the
way home. |
|
|
|
|
|
