Jan Jamshidi
For many years, my primary work and focus had been as a writer and journalist. I received a Masters in Journalism from Roosevelt University in Chicago.
That work took me all over the world—to East Africa, India, the Middle East, etc.
As a representative of an international NGO, I worked at the UN on policy matters dealing with human rights, women’s rights and economic development. I helped organize workshops for the 1995 UN International Conference on Women in Beijing.
However, I stepped back from that work for various reasons. It was time for a change. I embarked on my journey with glass.
I had always been interested in design and fine arts, but I had never taken formal lessons.
Rather, I have been intuitively attracted to forms in nature, Japanese design, Impressionism, African sculpture, Indigenous art, Islamic design, in particular, as well as classical and modern art.
I became interested in glass almost 20 years ago.
I took workshops with artists in Manhattan, Brooklyn and nearby including Pratt, UrbanGlass, Bullseye and Corning Glass Studio.
Kaaren Lewis introduced me to cold techniques on glass using mixed media collage. I took some workshops on Verre Eglomise ́ (gilding techniques on glass) with Frances Federer and Miriam Ellner.
Then, I began to work with fused glass, taking classes and workshops at UrbanGlass and Bullseye. Among others, I really enjoyed the workshops taught by Catherine Newell and Jane Bruce.
For me, working in glass is a way to express my love of ancient and modern design.
Cold-working techniques that I use with mixed media collage on glass allow me to rearrange at will elements of classical and ancient art, to reimagine them.
Fused glass allows me to experiment with glass, heat, and form in often unpredictable ways.
I enjoy grinding glass and shaping it into a finished piece.
I work everyday at my studio space in Port Washington, NY, where I also manage a non-profit organization providing work space for artists.
I am happy to share my work with you.