Hi, my name is Erin Maloney. A fairly moderate city just outside of Toronto, Ontario Canada is where I call home. It is here that I create handmade lampwork beads and jewelry designs in my home-based studio. Art has always been my passion! My artistic interests and talents date back to when I was just four years old. I had gone on my first-ever family vacation to - no where else other than - Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida of course! I was so amazed at the creativity that surrounded me. I often think back to when I was four and I now wonder "how could I have been so appreciative of "art" at such a young age?" Somehow, I was! I was drawn to all things imaginative and creative, and inspired by it. Because of my extensive interest in all art and design, my studio has been geared toward many things over the years...painting and drawing, clay, paper maché sculptural work, stained glass and now....flameworking! I have finally found the medium meant for me! I have absolutely no idea how I came across searching "lampwork" on eBay...but one day, I noticed some gorgeous works of art. I looked further into it on the rest of the internet and thought to myself it would be so neat to learn how to do this! I enrolled in a beginners' class at a local bead shop and the rest is history!!!! After only four hours of instruction, it was then that I finally realized that my artistic soulmate was, in fact...glass! I was hooked and I am now here to stay!!!
The decision to pursue lampworking, as opposed to enrolling in another full-time college course, was a major adjustment! I thought family and friends would be disappointed in me for my decision to not attend school...and instead, sit in front of a torch all day to melt glass. When I finally vocalized my vision, the people I love couldn't have been any more supportive! My parents thought it would be a great creative shift for me, my younger sister Sarah couldn't have been more excited for me and my loving boyfriend (and best friend) of six years, Jay, was equally supportive. He helped me realize that life is all about doing what you want to do...and...to have fun while you're at it!
You can visit my webpage www.airwynnglass.com
to learn more about AirWynn Glass Designs and my glass lampwork beads and finished jewelry!
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