Divas In Glass

Kilns, glass cutters, runners, grinders, and a studio seem to be handy tools for a designer specializing in fused glass art.  Florence Niven, owner and designer of Niven Glass Originals, has discovered a way to fuse Diva with glass.

Florence, can you share a little bit about your business and how you got started?

I have been a graphic designer and illustrator since 1983. Eight years ago, I took a stained glass course that completely changed the focus of my work. Since then I've slowly replaced my paint brush with a glass cutter, and now work full time as a glass artist. Over the past four years I have eased out of stained glass and now work exclusively with fused glass - glass that I cut, layer and fuse together in a high temperature kiln.

Where do you draw inspiration for your products?

I am seldom without a sketch book, or at least a scrap of paper. I've been doing this long enough to know that inspiration comes from all over - a passage from a book, a walk in the park, design magazines, fashion, movies. My background as a graphic designer informs how I see things; my designs tend to be clean and precise - less is definitely more. But I also like to keep a sense of humor in my work - I don't take myself too seriously.

What products have been your best sellers?

Although I have a steady market for my pendants, framed pieces, and intricately beaded necklaces, the pieces that seems to be attracting the most attention at my online store are my Glass Diva brooches. I have so much fun making these sassy little Divas, and they seem to have struck a nerve with the women who buy them. I have customers who keep coming back to add to their Diva collections.

What are your future plans for your business?

I love the fact that I am able to be creative every day, and thrilled that people are responding to what I do. I appreciate what a privilege that is. My business continues to grow mostly through word of mouth, with new and interesting projects presenting themselves that are a challenge and a pleasure to produce. I hope to continue doing what I love for a very long time.


Visit http://nivenglassoriginals.etsy.com.  Kingston, Ontario, Canada