|
see more at:http://www.wooldridgeglass.com
I have worked in various media such as acrylics, pen & ink,
pencil and pastels but my primary fascination and passion since childhood
has always been glass. Glass is a medium that presents many challenges
but the dynamic quality of a finished piece gives me a sense of satisfaction
that other media don't. I love the effect that light has on a piece of
glass, the many moods that can be expressed throughout the day as that
light changes and how that transmitted light can enhance an environment.
I received my BSBA in Management from Christopher Newport University
in 1976. I worked for several years in bookkeeping, accounting and administrative
work, continuing to paint and draw during my off hours and I finally
began working in glass in 1980. Along the way I have done some glass
blowing and fusing but I have focused my attention primarily on multiple
depth sand carving and stained glass, frequently combining these techniques
in the same piece. My sand carving technique is completely self taught.
I took only a brief introductory course in stained glass but I don't
really do anything the way I was taught. I do all of my own original
design work and while I feel my particular talent is as an artist/designer,
I take great pride in my craftsmanship and do all of my own fabrication
and hand cut all of my own stencils.
In 2003, I was invited to design ornaments for the Executive Mansion
of the State of Virginia and in 2002, I was selected to represent the
State of Virginia by designing an ornament for the White House Christmas
Tree. This ornament is included in the Permanent Ornament Collection
of The White House. As part of the honor, I was invited to a reception
at the White House hosted by First Lady Laura Bush who graciously provided
each artist with a photo "op" in front of the tree.
Through the years I have worked with many clients to create work for
numerous churches, restaurants, and homes. My work is in the collections
of Boyd Tinsley of Dave Mathews Band fame and I have designed pieces
for the home of Kate McGee, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Oracle.
I exhibit my work in several galleries and I participate in approximately
20 art shows and festivals each year where I enjoy meeting people who
love art and who often commission me to do special pieces for them. I
have received over 40 awards for my work.
My other passions are Martial Arts, Eighteenth Century Dancing and poetry.
I have been a member of the Greater Japan Martial Arts Association since
1981 and have been an instructor of Shorin Ken Classical Japanese Karate
since 1985. I am currently in charge of a program offered through Newport
News Parks and Recreation at Reservoir Middle school. I have been involved
with English Country Dancing since 1993 and while my schedule doesn't
let me participate as often as I would like, I enjoy going to balls and
practice sessions every chance I get. - - -
Kathy Wooldridge
Wooldridge Glass Designs
17667 Warwick Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23603-
(757) 887-8241
E-Mail: kwoold@widomaker.com
Web Site: http://www.wooldridgeglass.com
|
