August 2009
Riverside Glassworks
Local Artist, Lisa Jenkins began painting at the young age of seven, delving in oils, acrylics and watercolors. As the years progressed, she added lithography, drawing, collage and design to her repertoire, leaning toward abstract symbolism. In 1977 Jenkins graduated with a degree in Fine Arts and then followed her appreciation for art by studying Art History at the University of South Florida in Tampa, focusing on Abstract Art, Expressionism and Women Artists.
Over time Jenkins developed an interest in learning how to deep carve glass after seeing many doors and windows in area businesses throughout Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL while frequenting restaurants, and the like. After contacting Kaleidoscope Glassworks in north Tampa to inquire about lessons, Jenkins was presented with an opportunity to work with owner, Victor Berthelsdorf. Because his artist had walked out on him, he was in a bind and agreed to teach Jenkins how to etch glass if she would finish the painting portion of the windows for the Apopka Presbyterian Church project. Jenkins agreed, and I guess one would say...the rest is history.
Vic taught Jenkins the basics of glass painting, a unique process; the reverse of regular painting. In glass painting, one paints the entire surface image area with a blackish glass paint, then stipples off the highlights, leaving the darkest areas in place. This creates a 3-dimensional look to the otherwise flat surface. Upon completing the painting process, the glass is removed from the easel, and kiln-fired to permanently fuse the paint to the glass. Then the pieces are placed back on the original "cartoon" drawing, and assembled with lead came. Jenkins was hooked instantly with this fascinating process.
Jenkins continued working with Vic on various projects throughout Florida including a 420 square foot synagogue design at B'nai Israel in St. Petersburg, FL and 40 religious windows designed and painted for the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, FL. Jenkins did the research and design, and Vic the glass cutting, leading and installation. This worked very well for nearly a decade but the heat became too much, and Jenkins went in search of cooler temps, seasons and wilderness. In 1996, Jenkins moved to Ely, MN - after two visits she fell in love with northern Minnesota and the canoe country. She began doing freelance graphic art work in Ely, working with resort owners as well as painting a Border Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) scene for Canadian Waters Canoe Outfitters.
Jenkins embraced northern Minnesota and all its beauty, the wilderness setting, down-to-earth people, and cooler temperatures. She lived in Ely for a year before following her partner to International Falls and taking a full-time position at North Star Publishing doing graphic arts and photography. Over the years, she has hiked or flown over Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, Pelican and Crane lakes doing photography for resort owners and visitor's guides throughout the area, and enjoys seeing the area from multiple perspectives. Photography has become an integral part of life that has opened doors throughout Koochiching and St. Louis Counties. Jenkins enjoys sailing with the Rendezvous Yacht Club which has enabled her to see Rainy Lake from yet another perspective while racing from Sand Bay to Kettle Falls and all points in between. A fabulous lake, indeed!
Returning to her love of working with glass, Jenkins opened Riverside Glassworks on the banks of the Rat Root River in Ericsburg in the spring of 2008. Jenkins recent work includes designing and building the 6' x 10' stained glass altar window for St. Thomas Aquinas Church. She has been busy creating art glass for the Bass Tournament Art Show at Smokey Bear Park to be held at the end of August. Jenkins looks forward to living out her dream of creating magnificent stained glass windows and doors, while at the same time enjoying her beautiful wilderness surroundings.
Contact: (email)
riversideglass@live.com
(phone) 218-377-4348
(website in progress)
www.riversideglassworks.com
