Cypress Gallery’s latest exhibition serves as an amalgamation—or should I say, fusion—of fused glass and other types of glass art from three local artisans. The title of the show, Let’s do the Holidays, sums up what viewers and potential shoppers can expect from the seasonal exhibit.
“Our theme was just to provide items people could buy for gifts or for themselves,” featured artist Joellen Chrones told the Sun.
Giftable items from Chrones on display at the show include glass plates, bowls, frames, and vases.
“I love to make useful pieces,” said Chrones, who strives to make art out of functional items that her buyers can put to good use.
The Lompoc-based artist owns not one, not two, but three kilns that she uses to create her shiny masterpieces—or should I say, glass-terpieces. The kilns run quite frequently throughout the week, much to the consternation of her husband as he watches the electric meter go around, Chrones humorously described.
Chrones also mentioned how she usually spends her downtime while she waits on the kiln process to run its course.
“When I have my three kilns going, I can’t do anything for hours so I knit and felt hats and purses,” said the artist, who is also displaying such wearable items in the Cypress exhibition. Like Chrones’ various glass pieces, her knitted and felted art will also be available for sale at the gallery.
One thread that many of Chrones’ works, glass or not, share is a lighthearted subject in the limelight.
“I like whimsical subjects, which include birds, vegetables, and flowers,” she said.
One of Chrones’ plates, for example, features a sextet of illustrated chickens encircling a nest of eggs, while some of her featured vases and hats are adorned with flower and butterfly designs.
Chrones’ artistic journey began in her youth, taking various art classes at Lompoc High School. Throughout adulthood, even while working as a full-time accountant, Chrones never lost touch with her creative side. Her introduction to glass fusing came about in the early 2000s while taking a local class from fellow Central Coast artist Toni Zybell, whose work also happens to be featured in Let’s do the Holidays.
“I have done some form of art for as long as I can remember—oil painting, silk painting, fused glass,” Zybell told the Sun.
The Oceano-based artisan has been working with fused glass for more than two decades. For the Cypress exhibition, Zybell will be showcasing a collection of her jewelry. It’s a medium she’s only recently explored, despite a lifelong love for jewelry since childhood.
“Three years ago, I decided to try my hand at new creative forms. I have always loved jewelry, so it was a perfect fit. I started with copper enamel, moved on to hammered metal, and am now working with silver,” Zybell said.
Last but certainly not least, fellow featured artist Kathy Badrak rounds out the exhibit’s trio with a display of her gourd art.
“Each gourd speaks to me as to what it wants to become,” Badrak told the Sun, describing a particular moment that repeats itself before every new creation.
“I perch on my stool and hold the gourd up to my chest to work on. We’re up close and personal,” she explained. “It becomes me, and I become it.”
Badrak has been creating bowls, lamps, and other items from gourds for the last 10 years. She was introduced to the process while attending a workshop series in 2009.
“I found that gourds are the perfect medium in which to express myself,” Badrak said. “I love the earthy and natural appeal of gourds and often leave much of the beautiful gourd surface showing in my work.
“I don’t work with gourds to cover them up,” she added, mentioning the mold stains that often remain on the gourds after they’re cleaned and dyed with ink. “I work with them to make them sharper.”
Another reason Badrak enjoys the gourd medium so much is the continual experimentation it encourages, she said.
“My style continues to evolve as I learn and experiment with new techniques and materials,” Badrak said. “Some gourds I’m sad to see go. I love that they have found a new home, but I’m sad. I spent a lot of time with them.”
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood is gift wrapping some art for his loved ones this holiday season. Contact him at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 19-26, 2019.
