Background

With intensive self-study and experimentation for ten years, Trudy focuses her attention on fused glass. Originally she was a fiber artist and weaver. She attended classes at Rochester Institute of Technology in the early seventies and has been to the Penland School of Crafts three times—to study fiber structures, hand dyeing and painting fabric, as well as mixing metals with glass. Themes she explored in fiber arts are now reflected in glass. The possibilities for patterns and figures sustain that interest; this medium enables her to work with bolder, brighter and more detailed designs.

Artist Statement

One usually asks of an artist, "Where does your inspiration come from?" My response: I am drawn to rhythms and patterns found in the natural environment; I am also attracted by a wide array of distinctive forms created by man -- including architecture and other repetitive forms.

I agree with Levi-Straus -- an important anthropologist who expressed his viewpoint of art in a unique way. Through his study of native peoples, particularly the Amerindians of Brazil and North America, he drew some enlightening conclusions. He determined that art and its accompanying myths have no unique authors. Art just occurs and is transmitted over generations and from tribe to tribe.

A long-lost and newly-found friend of mine -- Rosie Thompson -- recently stopped by for a visit to my studio. Here is what she observed about my work, "Trudy's abstract work is inspired by nature in both form and process. Nature's process involves the interaction of earth, fire, and wind -- as does Trudy's process. The abstract forms found in Trudy's work reminds one of flowing water, pulsing volcanic lava, fluttering leaves, and flocks of birds. Her jewelry and scarves anchor nature's patterns; these objects serve as a talisman so that the wearer is empowered as she journeys onward."

And my response to Rosie's observation? "Yes, my work is made from earth elements; silica is the basics of glass, while threads for fabric are spun from silk worms, grown from cotton, or sheared from sheep. With glass, the articles are fired at high temperature; with fabric, dyes are set from the heat of chemicals, the silk of scarves is gently lifted by the wind."

When one examines my work, they might note the following comparisons and contrasts: When light passes through my glass work the layers enrich the visual experience, and my paintings on silk have a translucent quality as well. The glass is a hard medium, while the silk is soft. My glass work contains many faceted cut pieces of glass, while in my handpainted silk the resist serves to distinctly outline each shape.

Collaboration with Ed Ralston

Trudy collaborates with her partner, Ed Ralston, and together they develop tools and refine processes needed to execute their crafts. Ed applies his skills as a craftsman to combining different media, including glass, wood, and copper. Ed creates and assembles bases and armatures for glass. Ed has been active in woodworking for 20 years, creating custom cabinetry and applications for fine home building.