Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Allison.
Diane, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After studying art in college I found ways to keep my art alive as I raised my family and moved from coast to coast for 26 years. Living near water often inspired the subject matter while exploring the effects of light on color in my paintings. Impressionism has always been my favorite style both in music and art for its ability to stimulate the viewer’s imagination. In the summer of 2019, I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with Kent Lauer, an amazing Las Angeles glass artist. Kent introduced me to a few basic coldworking techniques for creating glass pendants and from there, I moved to sculpture. Coldworking is technically defined as changing the shape or surface texture of the glass. No process involving heat is used. Fewer than 1% of glass artists create using only coldworking techniques.
My fascination with changing reflections of color in changing light conditions was elevated to a much higher level using glass as the medium. Coldworking glass allows me to explore the infinite range of paradoxes: glass is fragile and solid, transparent and opaque, refractive and reflective. I combine cold working techniques of cutting, sawing, adhering layers, and grinding. Grinding and polishing facets and bevels by hand with tight tolerances is balanced with artistry. Much of the time, the beauty of the glass speaks for itself, but the design gains interest depending on what combinations of Profusion, Dichroic, and Starphire glass are used and how they are shaped. Incorporating old Lighthouse lenses in my Sailing series pieces added a fun dimension to recreating movements and reflections from the water. Each piece is unique because of the handwork and infinite variations in light and color within each piece. I continue to discover more possibilities as I think of what the project could turn into instead of predetermining the result. The result is an infinite set of patterns of light and color, depending on the viewing angle.
Success to me, occurs when the glass piece captivates the viewer’s imagination and encourages a new discovery each time the piece is viewed. My goal is to create an imaginative escape. Every sunrise is another gift to create!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Is there a smooth road as I explore the infinite possibilities with glass? I have hit a few bumps as I challenge myself to try different techniques and experiments, but the surprising results are worth the technical hiccups. My biggest challenge this year has been all the Art Fair cancellations reducing the opportunity to gain exposure and obtain feedback on this new adventure. I enjoyed the virtual art fair I participated in through Amdur Productions and the opportunity to demonstrate coldworking glass to the virtual fair attendees. I am looking forward to future shows when things open up again.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
There are two main things that set my work apart from others. The first is the unique combination and high quality of different types of glass and finishing. I use a variety of optically clear glass along with a type of patterned glass that was manufactured for years but is no longer produced and no longer available. The pieces that I have used it in are truly one of a kind. The pendants are mounted in custom created 925 Sterling Silver and 925 Sterling Silver. Chains. The second factor that sets me apart is the lack of any heat in any of my processes. Most glasswork involves the use of heat to create shape and color effects, which are not always predictable but often repeatable. I may be creating two pieces using the same glass, but the way I change the shape and facets by hand results in two very different looking pieces.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Few achieve success on their own. I have had great support over the past year. Kent Lauer, a Las Angeles Glass Artist who has been creating amazing work, helped me get started and continues to help as I challenge myself to advance technically. Edgar Miller of Edgar Miller Images has been so patient with me as he photographed my glass and worked to represent both depth and color to help the viewer understand the piece of art. Amy Amdur and the staff of Amdur Productions have provided a wealth of information for shows and marketing as well as a virtual platform for sales. There are several vendors and equipment manufacturers who have been very helpful as well. Most importantly, my husband, John, who has always been my best art critic, has been extremely supportive as I launched my new business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dallisonstudio.com
- Phone: 817-658-1750
- Email: diane@dallisonstudio.com
- Instagram: d_allison_studio
Image Credit:
Edgar Miller
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