Check Out Wanda Tyner’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Tyner.

Hi Wanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as a glass artist started with a desire to understand how the glass art in our home collection was made. After an extensive introduction, I was fascinated with the science of glass, the technology, and the skill required to achieve endless creative possibilities. I continued my training with many well-known glass artists from around the world. I continue to spend extensive time studying, experimenting, and creating. I apply the same creativity and innovative solutions to my glass creations as I did during my career as a technology executive. I am a juried member of Images Art Gallery, Summit Art Organization, and Missouri Artisans Association D.B.A. Best of Missouri Hands. I am an artist member of the Kansas City Artists Coalition and Columbia Art League; I serve on the Board of Directors for Summit Art Organization and Best of Missouri Hands.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working with glass has many challenges, including learning new techniques, programming and maintaining kilns, experimenting, and creating. It is a challenge to do art business. There is so much to learn and no one way to be an Artist for a living. Taking Art Business courses helped get me started. Joining Art Organizations and networking with other artists made a big difference, including Best of Missouri Hands, Summit Art, and Kansas City Artists Coalition.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I enjoy bringing works of creativity, color, and beauty into our everyday lives; I am fascinated with the scientific properties of glass and the technical programming required to achieve various results in glass art. My nature-inspired glass artwork depicts a story that flows from realistic representations to abstract interpretations, including 3D elements that add depth, action, and cool reflections. I manipulate and form glass into shapes with heat, flow, dimension, patterns, and texture bringing vibrant colors to life. I enjoy the focus and precision it takes to design and explore colors, patterns, textures, shapes, and techniques to create kiln-fired, kiln-casted, and kiln-formed glass art that can be bright, bold, subtle, or textured. I enjoy the challenge and energy of manipulating glass inside a very hot kiln. In addition to fine art sculptures and 3D wall hangings, I create vases, bowls, tableware, music-related art, garden art, clocks, and jewelry. My glass art is showcased in Galleries, Juried Art Shows, Art Fairs, and retail stores. My glasswork has won awards at exhibitions and art fairs and is included in several international collections.

Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice is to join several organizations to find the ones that work for you, what you need, and where you can also provide value. Some may provide educational and other resources; others will provide networking or mentoring. I juried into Summit Art early in my art journey, which was rewarding; over the years, I have an extensive network of local artists and a close network of several glass artists that support each other. I also juried for Best of Missouri Hands, a very supportive organization for artists, including many workshops, networks, communication, and support. Also, join Facebook groups that are supportive, where you can ask and answer questions from others with similar interests all over the world.

Pricing:

• Glass Sculptures $30 to $1500
• Glass Wall Art $48 to $2000
• Jewelry – post earrings and pendants $16 to $50
• Glass Vases $42 to $175
• Tableware $28 to $350

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wandatynerglass.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandatynerglassart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandatynerglassart
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wandatynerglass
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3jo9WXV_ubN4a5g54Nb8NQ
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@wandatynerglass?lang=en