ESTHER

Accessories – Philadelphia

I was raised in a family of ornamental iron workers. I was taught by my 3 brothers and Father how to forge iron and weld by the age of 9. I was a competitive body builder for years successfully using my body as a medium to sculpt. In 1986 I received a BFA in painting from Syracuse University. After graduation I drove to Seattle Washington to learn to put my paintings into a 3d format. I stayed there for 3 years, working and learning the art of blown glass at Pilchuck Glass School during the summer months and the ACC in Tennessee blowing glass for the winter months. Moving back East in 1989, I opened 5th St. Glass, Ltd. producing my own glass art for 75+ galleries around the world. My 2 kids were born and I turned my shop off and started doing Artist in Residnece programs with schools and communities. These works are mixed media; tile, wood, solar lights, metal, rocks etc. Along with the residencies, I started making wearable artwork out of, all size, unused vintage pop tops, Creations by Esther. I incorporate found objects, and anything that will fit inside the caps! This medium has been an amazing meditative outlet for me. The boundaries are finite. The space is small and I get to start and finish many pieces all at once. Lastly, I am a personal trainer running a boot(y) camp in the am and train clients every day.