Award-winning glass artist, James Clark began a part-time lampworking program in 1980 while attending high school
in Chesapeake, VA. After graduation he continued his study of the craft full-time with the nation's top manufacturer
of lampworked glass where he honed his skills for the intricate detail and quality his work is known for today.
In 1987, while maintaining his full-time lampworking career, James opened a private studio from which he worked
with several glass manufacturing companies and created his own works for show and sale.
In 1997, he expanded his repertoire of technique and began his research and study of "soft glass" (soda-lime
based) and furnace a.k.a. "off-hand" glassblowing, fusing and slumping.
In 1999, James participated in Dale Chihuly's Regional Art of Glass Exhibit in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, where
he performed furnace-working demonstrations for 19 weeks with students from the Virginia Commonwealth University
(VCU) art glass program at the prestigious Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA .
Again, in 1999 James sought to further round his skills as an artist when he began his study of Venetian lampworking
technique under the tutelage of Murano, Italy's master of Venetian glass, Emilio Santini. His studies continue
today.
In 2000, James attended the Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY to continue his study of Venetian
furnace-working techniques with William Gudenrath.
In 2001, his transformation from student to teacher began and by 2002, James was appointed Director of the glass
program at the Bay School of the Arts in Matthews, VA.
James Clark was elected Vice-President of the Peninsula Glass Guild in 2003 and opened Clark's Art and Glass Studios/Gallery
at 436 Boush St. in Norfolk, VA, where he creates, teaches and sells his beautiful works of art. You will also
find his unique pieces in many other local galleries and museums.
In 2004, James performed an Introduction to Flameworking for The Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, VA.
He also took "Best in Show" at the 17th Annual Peninsula Glass Guild Members Exhibit in Hampton, VA.
In 2005, Mr. Clark performed demonstrations on Venetian goblet making during the opening celebration for the new
Portlock Galleries at SONO. Later, he was an honored artist at the Hudson Valley Arts festival in New York, where
he demonstrated several lampworking techniques.
During the summer, James was bestowed one of the highest honors at Portsmouth's Seawall Festival when he received
the Children's Choice Award. He is now focusing his attentions on his Solo Exhibition, aptly named "New Directions"
at the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center in Hampton, VA in December. |
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