Long before it was fashionable, artist and designer Lynn Ploe Gillis, was committed to using recycled materials in her artwork. An avid gardener, it was her passion for art, love of gardening and commitment to recycling that lead to the creation of her company, ‘Garden Glass Windows.’ Lynn creates beautiful one of a kind art installations and garden sculptures from old window frames, recycled glass and found objects from yard sales.
Val: “How would you describe the type of artwork you create?”
Lynn: “Well, technically it’s mixed media…more specifically, mosaic-style style indoor/outdoor stained glass on recycled window frames…..but, mostly I’d describe it as fun and colorful!”
Val: “Tell us about some of your favorite treasure finds from yard sales?”
Lynn: “A girlfriend insisted I buy an extremely old, large and ornate frame for $5.00. I was thinking I only work on windows, but then it hit me: I could use my technique on picture frames as well! I painted the frame turquoise and made a spectacular mermaid. It ended up being one of my most lucrative pieces.”
Val: “What are some of the challenges of working with recycle items?”
Lynn: “The challenges are really opportunities. The conventional way of creating is that you have an idea, you buy the materials and then you make it. With recycled materials, it works the other way around. You have a variety of miscellanea and you get inspiration of what to make from the materials themselves. It’s inspiring, stimulating and challenging–but in a good way!”
Val: “Do you do commissioned artwork?”
Lynn: “Absolutely! I’ve made too many commissions to count. Suffice it to say, if you can dream it up, I can probably make it.”
Val: “Can people bring you items they want incorporated into an installation?”
Lynn: “Sure, that always makes it more interesting and meaningful. It’s very similar to Pique Assiette, which is a style of mosaic that incorporates pieces of broken ceramics and other found objects into the design. The appeal and expressiveness of pique assiette lies in the ideas of lateral thinking, humor, recycling, and the significance of the found.”
Val: “What is the best way to get in touch with you or to see more of your beautifully created work?”
Lynn: “You can reach me thru my website, www.GardenGlassWindows.com or directly at my home studio, 703.802.1434″
Val: “Thanks Lynn, we’ll be looking forward to seeing new creations on your website!
The Bohemian Home Journal 