Featured Artist: Johnathon Tardif, Warren OR

Inspired by the ocean, my work explores the relationship between color, strength, transformation, and resilience. Coastlines are shaped by relentless tides, coral reefs grow over generations, and shells are polished by constant motion. Nature reminds us that beauty is not found in perfection, but in the marks left by time.

Central to my work is the Craquelle Process, my signature technique developed through years of experimentation. Through controlled thermal shock, I create intricate fracture patterns that become an intentional part of each sculpture’s identity. Rather than concealing these marks, I celebrate them as evidence of transformation, echoing weathered coral, ancient stone, and the living textures of the sea.

In his company’s name, Pneuma Glass, Pneuma means breath. Johnathon blows glass in Warrren, Oregon, north of Portland along the Columbia River.

Glass fascinates me because it mirrors the human experience. It softens under intense heat, withstands tremendous pressure, and permanently records every step of its creation. We are shaped in much the same way. The experiences that leave their mark on us often reveal our greatest strength.

My work invites viewers to look beyond perfection and discover beauty in transformation. Where every breath begins a journey, every fracture tells a story, and every sculpture reflects the relationship between nature, pressure, and resilience.

You can see Johnathon at the following shows this fall:
September 11-13 Salem Art Fair & Festival (Oregon)
September 19-20: Mill Valley Fall arts Festival (CA), Booth #13
September 26-27 Corvallis Fall Festival Corvallis Fall Festival (Oregon)
October 9-11 Wilsonville (Oregon) charbonneauarts.org Festival of the Arts
October 17-18 GlassAndDecor.com Studio Tour (Seattle, WA) site #2