When did you first become interested in glass?

I first really started noticing artisan glass when I was painting watercolors. I love the way both mediums are similar. It’s the light shining through the transparent colors and being able to layer colors to form new ones. Also, I enjoy being able to mix colors in both mediums, although it’s a lot tougher in glass.

What do you like best about what you do?

I love the creativity and designing these little treasures for people. I do a lot of custom orders that are amusing to the customer and me.

Is there a pattern in the way you select materials? In the way you use color, texture or light?

Because I do a lot of sculptural work, so much of my material selection depends upon what I’m trying to convey. For example, I might layer colors in a certain way to show feathers on one of my Bird Brains, (a lady wearing a party hat with a bird perched on it), while using a totally different technique to make a wooden leg for one of my Pirates.

What inspires you? How are your inspirations expressed in your work?

So much inspires me. My studio is my sunroom which overlooks my garden and backyard. I have a few bird feeders out there and you’ll see a lot of birds in my glass pieces. I also adore children’s toys, art, nature- especially ocean/beach related items, gnomes, fabrics, and yes, I’m not ashamed to admit, I love kitsch.

How much time is spent creating your pieces?

It depends on the intricacy and detail of the piece. I spend a good part of each day either working on my lampwork beads and sculptures or teaching private lessons to students.

What are your techniques and style and how do these relate to the medium?

Beadmakers are taught to find our own voice. I’m a Gemini, and almost every voice sounded good to me. But once I started doing fun and funky sculptural beads, I found that I loved seeing people laugh and smile when looking at them and I loved creating them even more.

What do you find most challenging about your work in the glass arts?

Looking around my house and wondering if the housework and other chores are ever going to be done?

How did you find Etsy? What do you like most about it?

I read about Etsy in a magazine, and fell in love with it right away. It has a hip vibe and the creativity is fabulous. I love having my shop, StudioMarcy there.