Artist Sara Glassman creates stunning crocheted jewelry, each piece of which tells a story worth reading. Her work is tangled, entwined, and bound about with symbolism and literary references, entirely appropriate for a self-professed bibliophile and fan of the written word. Spend some time at her Art Show table, look closely, and you’ll find yourself quickly drawn in or, better yet, say hello to her at her Dealer table and discover why she’s become a storied member of the JordanCon family.
Which artist do you find most inspirational? Why?
Kinuko Craft is one of my major inspirations. Her works are so intricate and rich. Every time I look at one I’m mesmerized. That is the sort of sense I try to create with my crocheted necklaces; the feeling that every time you look at them, you might find something new.
One year at DragonCon, they had some of her original paintings in the art show and I remember feeling almost trapped, unable to look away from them because there was so much to SEE! More even than I had ever seen on a poster or book cover. I stood in front of the bay where her work hung for almost twenty minutes until one of my friends came and got me.
What’s the one thing you most enjoy about attending conventions?
The people. Both the guests and the attendees. I first started coming to JordanCon because of a guest and kept coming back because everyone was so wonderful. That’s pretty much how it’s gone with every convention I find myself going back to. I’m looking for that sense of community much more than I am the opportunity to meet a particular guest. I love getting to meet other artists, but also to watch people react to all the art in the art shows as they pass through. Networking is certainly something that happens, but really, it’s all about getting to spend time with people who are excited about the things you love. And, of course, the Bielaczyc dance parties are also a vital part of a good convention.
What do you see as the primary link between writing and art? (If you think there is one.)
I find huge inspiration from writing. Several of my pieces are inspired by characters from the stories I adore. Many of them are from books that I read as a younger reader that have just latched onto my heart. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered an artist who was not also a reader. Reading stretches the boundaries of your imagination; even the most descriptive book leaves something for you to fill in. I think reading trains your vision and your curiosity, which are vital for any kind of artist.
If you could create your masterpiece, what would it look like?
Probably a wearable stained glass window. I’m not even entirely sure what that would mean, but somehow combining light and color into a piece of jewelry. There was a book I read ages ago, “Shattered Glass” by Elaine Bergstrom, that described someone pouring and blending a huge piece of glass and all the colors that swirled together in the molten glass. I want to capture that feeling someday. Seeing the big pieced or poured stained glass windows in person with light behind them has always been an elevating experience for me.
If you’d like to find out more about the authors and artists who share their work at JordanCon, check out our other “Meet the Artist” blogs.
