As a child, I have vivid memories of eagerly sketching on any available piece of paper within reach. Among my creations, there was one cherished doodle that never failed to bring a smile to my face – a petite bunny with a floppy ear. This endearing creature would often be depicted peeking around its own ear, as if harboring a shy reluctance to fully embrace the world without its comforting presence.
Starting with that humble bunny sketch, my artistic journey unfurled into a myriad of explorations across various mediums. I delved into pencil sketches, crayon creations, and even ventured into the world of chalk drawings. However, it was at the age of eleven that I found my true passion in painting, particularly with oils. Captivated by the depth and richness they offered, I devoted myself to the canvas, often portraying animals and crafting portraits of my beloved musicians and actors. It was a pivotal moment in eighth grade when my dedication bore fruit as I clinched my first award for an oil painting. Encouraged by my teacher's affirmation, I realized the potential within me to traverse far along the path of artistry.
Throughout high school, I remained committed to my artistic pursuits, though I often found myself yearning for something more fulfilling in terms of mediums. However, it wasn't until my junior year, when the opportunity arose to enroll in a stained glass course, that I truly found my niche. Eager to explore this new avenue, I eagerly embraced the chance to delve into something different. The moment I broke my first piece of glass, a profound sense of belonging washed over me, igniting a deep passion within. By the conclusion of that transformative year, I was not only adept at the craft but also crafting my own intricate patterns, a testament to the profound connection I had forged with stained glass art.
Lamentably, my school lacked advanced classes in glass art, prompting me to approach my teacher with a proposition for an independent study to further my expertise in the craft. With a stipulation to also enroll in a designing class, I eagerly accepted, recognizing the invaluable skills it would impart for my own creations. Immersed in this self-guided exploration, I embarked on the creation of my inaugural stained glass window. Depicting a resplendent Native American adorned in full regalia against the backdrop of the painted desert, this masterpiece still graces the threshold of my mother's home, extending a warm welcome to all who cross its path.
Following my high school graduation in 1993, I embarked on a dual educational journey, enrolling in business courses at the local college while also dedicating myself to furthering my proficiency in stained glass at a nearby glass emporium. Beginning with introductory classes to reacquaint myself with the fundamentals, I eagerly absorbed the teachings of a new mentor, building upon the foundation laid during my high school years. Progressing swiftly, I delved into more specialized realms, mastering the intricacies of crafting lamps and panels.
With newfound skills and boundless enthusiasm, I ventured into entrepreneurship, launching my own business and immersing myself in the vibrant world of craft shows. Initially, my offerings spanned a diverse array, ranging from lifelike animal motifs to abstract designs, and from delicate suncatchers to luminous night lights. However, my nascent foray into the realm of business proved challenging, as I grappled with the intricacies of navigating this unfamiliar terrain.
After dismantling my business, I made the bold move to Nashville, TN, where I continued to hone my craft in glasswork, nurturing my artistic growth. However, rather than selling my creations to the general public, I shifted my focus towards researching and crafting the blueprint for the ideal business model— acknowledging, of course, the inherent imperfections that come with our human nature.
As the internet began to burgeon in popularity, I recognized the opportunity to transition my enterprise into the digital realm. Despite lacking formal education in computers, I devoted myself to mastering this new frontier before launching my business online. While tirelessly creating designs and crafting items for my inner circle, I immersed myself in research, meticulously studying the intricacies of website design, functionality, and other facets of the online landscape.
Moreover, I prioritized the integrity of my art by ensuring that all designs were authentically my own, steadfastly avoiding any semblance of copyright infringement—a stance fueled by my aversion to this growing issue within the art world. In August 2005, I returned to Connecticut, armed with newfound knowledge and determination, and by March 2006, Robin's Glass World emerged into existence, embodying my vision and dedication to both artistry and ethical business practices.
...was overshadowed by a heart-wrenching revelation—my father's diagnosis of leukemia in April 2006. While I diligently pursued my endeavors on the fair circuit with my burgeoning business, my father waged a valiant battle for survival. A fellow artist, he had always been my steadfast companion at art and craft shows, a source of unwavering support, and a trusted confidant for brainstorming ideas.
In March 2009, a significant milestone marked the digital debut of Robin's Glass World, made possible through the facilitation of Etsy. Struggling to establish my own website with a functional shopping cart, Etsy emerged as the ideal platform for showcasing and selling my artwork. At that juncture, Etsy stood as a niche marketplace dedicated exclusively to handmade creations, fostering a sense of community within its relatively small yet burgeoning network. With my shop seamlessly set up, it didn't take long before my creations gained traction, paving the way for successful sales within just a few years.
On October 3, 2009, my world shattered as my father lost his courageous battle with leukemia, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in my life. With his passing, I not only mourned the loss of my beloved father but also the loss of the one individual who truly comprehended and shared my fervent passion for art. Since then, many of my designs have been imbued with his enduring spirit, serving as a poignant tribute to his memory, a testament to his profound influence that will endure for years to come.
Among these creations, one holds an especially cherished place in my heart—the Angelic Feathers Wind Chime. Its conception, however, was delayed until 2017, as I grappled with the overwhelming grief of bidding farewell to my father. Symbolizing the culmination of my journey towards acceptance and healing, this wind chime embodies the cathartic release of the pain that lingered long after his departure—a poignant metaphor for setting him free to soar to greater heights.
Initially hesitant to list it on Etsy, fearing it might be deemed too costly for prospective buyers, I eventually realized the potential comfort it could offer to others navigating their own grief. Thus, in March 2017, I bravely decided to share this profound source of solace with the world, offering it as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of loss. With each creation of the wind chime, I feel a profound closeness to my father, as if his guiding presence lingers in the workshop, overseeing my craft and blessing each chime with his eternal love.
March of 2015 marked the inception of an exciting new chapter in my artistic journey as I received my first Dog Trophy commission. The esteemed organizers of the Schipperke Nationals, held in Chattanooga, TN that year, reached out to enlist my expertise in crafting trophies for their prestigious event. Collaborating closely with them, I designed a range of unique trophies tailored to their specifications. Despite juggling my Etsy orders alongside the trophy-making process, I successfully completed the task ahead of schedule, ensuring timely delivery of approximately 30 trophies and affording the organizers ample time for event preparation.
Shortly thereafter, I received another esteemed request from the Alaskan Malamute Nationals, slated to take place in Springfield, MA in October 2015. Though the order arrived later than anticipated, necessitating a tighter deadline, I rose to the challenge and crafted a singular design that adorned various items, including bookends and a distinctive triangle lamp. Despite the time constraints, I managed to deliver the order ahead of schedule, albeit with a valuable lesson learned—to allocate a full three months for custom orders of such magnitude. This experience underscored the importance of balancing commitments and reinforced the notion of continuous growth and adaptation in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
...I had the pleasure of crafting trophies for the Kerry Blue Terrier specialties event, an integral part of the esteemed Steel Valley Cluster held in Canfield, Ohio. In collaboration with the organizers, I developed two distinct designs that adorned a variety of items, including saw cut ornaments, adding an extra touch of elegance to the event. Graciously affording me ample time to bring their vision to life, they provided a conducive environment for creativity to flourish. Despite the scale of the order, I relished the challenge and exceeded their expectations by delivering the trophies ahead of schedule. As always, I thrive on surpassing deadlines, yet I remain steadfast in my commitment to preserving the integrity and quality of each creation, never compromising on excellence in the creative process.
I had the privilege of once again collaborating with the Schipperke Nationals to craft a new set of exquisite trophies. It was truly a joy to work with them once more, and the prospect of designing these trophies never fails to ignite my creative passion from the moment I receive their initial email. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue our partnership and create even more stunning trophies for them in the years to come!
When the pandemic swept across the globe, businesses everywhere felt its impact, but for mine, being online proved to be a silver lining amidst the storm. With people staying home and turning to online shopping, my business experienced unprecedented growth. Orders flooded in at an astonishing rate, keeping me tirelessly at work seven days a week just to keep up. However, in June 2021, a shoulder injury brought everything to a sudden halt. Despite the excruciating pain, I soldiered on, determined to fulfill my commitments until it became unbearable. With all pending orders completed, I made the difficult decision to put my shop on vacation mode and took a much-needed two-week hiatus to allow my arm to heal.
Today, I'm thrilled to announce the opening of my second shop on the exciting new marketplace, goimagine, catering exclusively to customers in the US. Meanwhile, my Etsy shop continues to thrive, now serving customers from around the globe. For any custom projects or inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly through my website. No project is too small, and I'm eager to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. So, what can I create for you today?
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