Artist Statement
Since beginning  my “glass journey”, as described in my biography, many, many years ago, and renewing it in 2004, it was never on my mind that my hobby would, or could evolve into art. In fact, I am not even sure if what I do can be described as art. So if there are those who want to call me an artist, and describe what I do as art, so be it, but as far as I am concerned I have a really fun and exciting retirement hobby that is enabeling me to be creative with what I truly love to do, and by the generosity of those who enjoy my creations, pay for my fun.

Many factors are involved in what I decide to create, but the most important to me is will I enjoy creating this particular piece. Many of my wind chimes are hung on driftwood which is collected primarily along the redwood coast in northern California. One of my favorite spots is the spit at the mouth of the Klamath River. Great driftwood collecting and wildlife viewing all at once. Other chimes are hung on one of a kind whimsical hangers depicting dogs, cats, frogs and fish, to name a few. The glass pieces that I create to hang as chimes are very abstract and there is no end to what styles or colors can be found hanging on my creations.

My pendants also follow the same style, just layer a variety of glass, fuse it, and when I open the kiln it is just like opening a gift, for there is always a surprise. My sun catchers are a recent addition and I am still refining the pieces with many ideas still being mulled over.

To me it is all about having fun, meeting people, and being able to do what I truly enjoy. If and when it starts feeling like a job, I will chart another course.

And now a word about my other passion as a volunteer host at the Oregon State Parks, where I spend four months each year assisting in the care and maintenance of a truly great state park system. Talk about a rewarding experience, and a great way to meet some wonderful people who devote many hours to this very worthwhile endeavor.

And lastly a big thanks to my wonderful wife Joan, who supports and encourages my fun and happy life.

About Gary Crossley
My glass journey began in the early 1970’s in Chico, California  and continued after relocating to Chico in 1979. I enjoyed my stained glass hobby through these years making many small and large sun catchers, hanging lamps and some early attempts at wind chimes. In the mid eighties my time to enjoy stained glass creation was drastically curtailed due to family and job responsibilities.

In March, 2004, I left Redding and moved to my current home at Crooked River Ranch, OR. It was shortly afterward that retirement called and I renewed my interest in stained glass and began researching the medium of fused glass. After investing in a small kiln and some on-the-job training, I have developed a deep passion for the fused glass process.

I began selling my early pieces at craft shows here at Crooked River Ranch and at the Saturday Markets in Bend and Madras, OR. In 2009 I began taking my creations to more wide spread venues and have recently placed some pieces in Don Terra Artworks in Sisiters, OR.

So far the early years of retirement have been enriched by the marriage to my lovely wife, Joan, and by the growing acceptance of my fused glass creations. My fused glass wind chimes have been purchased by people in many states here in the USA, as well as other buyers from Canada and overseas. The pendants that I began creating in 2007, have also become very popular, enabeling me to begin creating other pieces including sun catchers, bookmarks and barrettes.

I plan on continuing to create pieces that interest and excite me, and hopefully my creations will continue to be accepted and enjoyed by others for many years to come. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to spend my retirement years having fun by creating items that are sought after and enjoyed by others.

Buy Gary Crossley’s Fused Glass Artwork at Shop.Donterra.com
Follow Gary’s Updates on Twitter
Artist Code: GEC