Special to the LPJ.
Often it seems most artists are born wielding a paintbrush or pencil. Sometimes, however, artists find their passion and calling later in life. For local glass artist Joanie Huffman, she found her calling about twenty years ago when she began creating sporadically with stained glass.
A lifelong resident of Lincoln Parish, Joanie says she likes to experiment with all types of glass from recycled bottles to fusible glass, which she picked up about three years ago. She says that for most of her life she failed to listen to her inner desire to create something unique. She recalls that as she drew closer to retirement age, she decided to open the door to learning and exploring what her retirement would look like for herself.
Huffman states that her inspiration comes from her faith, family, and friends. “Specifically, I am drawn to creating pieces such as nativity scenes, crosses, and depictions of The Last Supper. I can complete a bowl or dish and it will remind me of the beauty of mountains, sands on the beach, oceans, pebbles in a stream, or flowers in a field,” explains Joanie.
For many years, Joanie has created stained glass pieces of art or special Christmas ornaments as gifts. She goes on to explain how that has now grown into the habit of creating pieces with the receiver specifically in mind. Joanie says that she truly believes that handmade gifts from the heart are among the most treasured gifts one could receive.
Like many forms of art, one medium can easily lead to another. In 2021, Huffman visited a glass art studio in Springfield, Missouri, where she completed a two-day class in Glass Fusion. She followed that up by completing a four-week course in Bossier City at Ed’s Emporium. By the end of these courses, Joanie says that she had officially traded in her previous hobby of shopping for a newfound love of growing her talent.
Huffman says that fused glass is very forgiving. Some of her favorite pieces have come from an original piece that did not necessarily speak to her or had imperfections. “I break it into pieces then return it to the kiln and re-fire. Glass has a mind of its own about what it wants to become, how thick it wants to be, and the color it wants to display once fired,” says Joanie.
Joanie says that with fused glass, most of the time spent on a piece is cooking in a kiln for 12 to 24 hours, reaching temperatures as high as 1525 degrees Fahrenheit. One piece may take several firings requiring several days of kiln time. When she opens the kiln the surprise of what the glass has chosen to be is always amazing. No two pieces are identical, each is a one-of-a-kind treasure.
Huffman goes on to state that stained glass is less forgiving. Accuracy in cutting, soldering, adding patina and framing are all different steps that take time and concentration. The finished piece is to be flawless, no cracks or scratches. Stained glass is much messier and takes much longer.
When asked why she was passionate about her art, Joanie had this to say, “God has given me a gift that I discovered later in life. I was never very good at drawing, painting, or singing, but we are all born with various gifts and talents. Sometimes it simply takes slowing down to discover your natural gift, then you can cultivate it and experience the joy in sharing it.”
Huffman believes it is never too late to follow the path that leads you to peace and happiness. Be creative even if you don’t think you are. Listen to your heart and be open to trying new things. For those interested in working with glass, she says that glass work is time to be alone. Be comfortable being quiet or put on some music and let those creative juices flow. Don’t rush and just have fun.
To keep up with Joanie and her creations you can follow her on Facebook at JH Glass Art or on Instagram at joanie.huffman.
