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Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1958, glass artist Kathleen Elliot has made California her home for 45 years. With her husband’s encouragement and support, she has discovered and developed her artistic talent while raising their five children.

In the 1980’s, she expressed her creativity as a hair stylist and make-up artist with a cosmetology degree from San Jose City College.

From 1985 to the present, Kathleen has steadily pursued her education in linguistics, philosophy and biology, communication, leadership and management, organizational development, the design of business offers, spirituality and religions, and most recently the Arts. With this educational background, she built a 14-year career in designing and managing adult education programs, organizational development and training for various corporations.

Kathleen’s interest in glass art began in 1996 when a friend introduced her to flameworking. She taught herself the art of beadmaking by studying how artists had made beads in the photos in glass art books and then experimenting. Kathleen took her first glassblowing workshop in 1996 at San Jose State University, and continued to grow her passion and talent for art glass jewelry.

The first year of the new century was a turning point in Kathleen’s life: she made the choice to pursue her art in earnest, leaving her prior career. She began studying Art at De Anza College and attended Pilchuck Glass School for three summers, studying with Laura Donefer, Robert Mickelsen, and Shane Fero.

In mid-2003, Kathleen shifted from glass beadmaking to botanical sculpture. Since then her work has evolved into two series of botanical sculpture - natural and imaginary - which have gained Kathleen recognition throughout the U.S.

Artist Statement

Our American culture is crazy. We are often busy, hurried, rushed, trying to get ahead and constantly bombarded with media and marketing selling us the goods we “need” to live the American Dream. In the midst of this frenzy, Art offers us something entirely different. Art returns us to a mood of wonder and appreciation for life and for living. Works of art help us stay centered in the push of our day-to-day lives.
Art reminds us of human virtues and the wonders of nature. Its beauty, richness and depth can inspire us to rise above mediocrity and take the time and care to live our lives artfully and with elegance.
My art inspires and reminds us that we can be awed by even the simplest things in life - allow your breath to be taken away by the beauty of a leaf, allow the intricacy of a flower to remind you of the awesome gift of life, be amazed by the shape of an acorn and the smoothness of its skin, be awed by the delicate, stunning work of art of a bird’s nest. We are surrounded by amazing wonders every day. My art reminds us to notice, appreciate and live in gratitude. My art reminds us that no matter what we do, let us live our lives artfully!

Other Statements

"I would have to give Kathy the highest of recommendation for any student of mine over the years. She is most talented in picking up techniques and applying them to her own particular vision. Her hard work, punctuality, and ability to get along with others are exemplary. Her work is technically tight and reflects her own personal vision."
Shane Fero

"I was most impressed with her vision. She came up with ideas every day that challenged the limits of what the medium would do and then proceeded to do them. She is fearless and willing to accept failure as a price for achieving what she desires. Her successes impressed me deeply."
Robert Mickelsen

For more information
Visit her Profile, gallery on myglassart.org

Visit Kathleen Elliot's Website