“What’s meant for you won’t pass you by” is a phrase that resonates with me daily. It calms me when I feel uncertain. Whenever I second-guess a choice, it helps me refocus. This feeling was never stronger than 27 years ago. That day, I walked into an art shop and found my first pot of glass paint.
At the time, I was working in a Dublin office, feeling like something was missing. I had always been creative. Life, however, had taken me down a different path. Then, one afternoon, I wandered into an art shop in Rathmines. I knew nothing about coloured glass or how to apply colour to it. That single discovery sparked something inside me. It ignited my lifelong passion for creating vibrant, colourful glass.
A year or two later, I made a bold, maybe crazy, decision. I left my stable Dublin office job and returned home to Wexford. I dove headfirst into a fused glass sea of creativity and discovery. Looking back, it's clear that following my passion was the best decision ever.
In June 2000, with the unwavering support of my amazing parents, I opened my workshop to the public. It sits halfway between the charming villages of Kilmore and Kilmore Quay. My cosy workshop is in one of the most beautiful and enchanting places in Ireland. It’s a truly magical spot and the perfect setting to create fused glass art.
Surrounded by the breath-taking, ever-changing beauty of the Wexford coastline, I find endless inspiration for my work. Vibrant, vivacious colours and free-flowing organic shapes echo the essence of this stunning seaside landscape.
This year proudly marks 25 years of sharing my passion for fused glass art with the world. Along the way, my journey has had many twists and turns. Through it all, discovery and learning have always been at its core. Creating fused glass art brings me pure joy every single day. That joy is infused into every piece of fused glass I create. Looking back, I’m forever grateful for the day I wandered into that art shop. Unexpectedly, it led me to find a missing piece of myself and embark on this incredible adventure.
"Mighty oaks from little acorns grow". This quote resonates with me, especially when self-doubt or imposter syndrome creeps in. If you’re thinking of planting your own acorn, my fused glass journey might inspire you to take that first step. Life’s too short for regrets. Take a deep breath, put on your big girl pants, and dive into the possibilities!
The best advice I can offer is this:
- Don’t be afraid to try! Make mistakes, learn, and keep exploring new techniques.
- So much support is available! A great place to start is your local enterprise office: www.localenterprise.ie. Even 25 years ago, the Start Your Own Business course was an invaluable resource that helped keep me on the right path.
- Interested in glass art? Check out: Glass Society of Ireland: www.glasssocietyofireland.iePangur Glass Craft (Co. Cavan): www.pangurbawn.ie/shop – Pat, the owner, is a true fountain of knowledge and always ready to help! Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI): www.dcci.ie – Offers education, practical advice, and a supportive creative community.
- Believe in yourself and the endless possibilities ahead! ✨
Looking back, my glass journey has been shaped by unexpected discoveries, bold decisions, and the incredible support of family. From that first pot of paint to opening my own workshop and finding inspiration in the wondrous landscape, every step has led me to where I am today.
Twenty-five years on, my passion for fused glass is as strong as ever. It fills me with joy, fuels my creativity, and connects me with so many wonderful people. If my story has inspired you to take that first step, I hope you embrace your journey wholeheartedly. You never know where one small spark of curiosity might lead!
Thank you for taking the time to read my post! If you have a little more time, Click the button below and explore my Happy Glass. I hope it brings a smile to your face—if it does, job done!