Featured Artist: Suzanne Tyler, Beaverton OR

My relationship with glass began in 1988 when I was working in downtown Portland, just a few blocks from Cline Glass. I kept visiting the store on my lunch breaks to look at the glass, and finally decided one day to sign up for a stained glass class. I was hooked! What started as a simple creative outlet quickly became a lifelong passion, and far surpasses the excitement I have for my other hobbies of quilting, painting, soap making, and attempting to grow citrus trees.

I am continuously fascinated by the way glass can be layered, shaped, and transformed by heat, and by the endless possibilities for color and texture. Once I began working with fused glass, I knew I had found my artistic home.

Over the years, I have studied with many talented artists, including Ann Cavanaugh locally, and have taken classes from numerous artists at the Las Vegas Bead and Glass Craft Exposition for the past two years. I continue to experiment and learn. One of the things I love most about glass is that there is always something new to discover when I open my kiln after a firing – not always what I expect, but always exciting! The medium is constantly evolving, and so am I.

My work is colorful, eclectic, and inspired by the beauty and wonder I see in the world around me. I enjoy creating pieces that bring joy, spark curiosity, and invite people to pause and look a little closer. Light plays an important role in nearly everything I make. Whether it’s a wall piece, a garden lantern, or an outdoor sculpture, I love watching how changing light transforms glass throughout the day, giving each piece a life of its own.

Lately I have been experimenting with freestanding pieces and creating stable and attractive bases for my work (not always an easy feat!) I’m also trying to better document my firings and improve my firing schedules to move toward successful pieces on the first try!

I’ve been an active member of the Pacific Northwest Glass Guild for about seven years and have greatly enjoyed being part of a community that is passionate about sharing knowledge, encouraging artistic growth, and promoting the art of glass.

After more than 37 years working with glass, I still feel the same excitement I felt when I completed my very first project, which was a small lead came stained glass iris piece. Every new piece is an opportunity to learn, create, and explore, and that sense of discovery continues to inspire me every day.

This year, I am excited to once again participate in the Portland Area Open Studios Tour September 19-20. I look forward to welcoming visitors into my studio, sharing my creative process, talking about fused glass, and connecting with fellow art lovers. One of the best parts of Open Studios is the opportunity to meet people, answer questions, and help others discover the remarkable variety and beauty of glass art. I will also be participating in the new Mid-Willamette Valley Glass Art Show and Sale August 1st. On-line you can find my work in the Members’ Gallery and on Etsy

The Newsletter Team is looking for a member to to join the team and help assemble the Featured Artist section. Email us if you’re interested or have questions.