I’ve heard it many times before, “When I have time I’m going to follow my passion, but for now I have to work.”  Now, I understand having to support yourself and your family; that is just reality; but to be able to truly dive into your passion full time and wake up every day and love what you do is a dream come true for this amazingly talented artist!

Her name says it all, Joy!  When she was in college she was following the path that made the most sense by focusing on math and science which would lead to a financially stable career.  She moved on to Purdue University with the intention of eventually working as a computer designer for space systems…but something was missing.

Joy understood that she was on her way to being financially stable, a goal many of us strive for, but she was not happy.  She found herself fighting over being “set” or being happy!  She decided that to be happy was more important and immediately changed her major to Theatre and Costume Design.  After working for a time in costume design, Joy realized that she was making as much selling her independent work as she did working in the theatre and again made an amazing leap to independent artist and GlassSculptureOrg was born.

After her divorce, Joy began anew in an artistic community of Carmel,Californiawhere she found a friend to collaborate with.  Since this time, Joy has not looked back.  She is always willing and excited to learn a new technique and then combine it in new ways into her work.  She has worked in glass blowing, casting, carving, etching and molding, reverse painting, watercolor, woodturning, wood carving, design, 3D modeling, writing, illustrating as well as digital graphic design…OK, now I’m tired!

Joy is always willing to and excited to learn and looks forward to each new request as a chance to grow rather than an impossible task.  By living out her creative passion, Joy has found her happiness in her mountaintop studio with her partner and cats.  She describes her life as “wide and interesting,” but I would add passionate to the list.

Are you ready to see what this multitalented lady can do?  Well, GlassSculptureOrg is easy to find on Artfire as well as on her blog here and here.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you can’t take your eyes away from some of the most stunning work I’ve seen.