Biography:
Linda
Steider is a studio artist working primarily with kilnformed
glass. After twenty years of textiles and pastels,
Steider transitioned to glass in 1997. Her broad range
of experience and skills brings a rare perspective to the
world
of glass. Steider's award winning work (both in fiber
and glass) has been shown nationally and internationally.
Her
pieces are included in private collections across North
America, Europe, and Japan. Current work can be seen at
Columbia Arts,
Hood River OR; The Dalles Art Center, The Dalles, OR;
Natural Spaces and Fireborne Gallery, Portland OR.
Growing
up, Steider was significantly impacted by the culture of
the Yakama Tribe, and later, by the glitz of Hollywood.
That unlikely combination of influences are woven into her
art and personality. She has
lived in the Columbia River Gorge since 1984, constantly
awed and inspired by the majestic beauty of the diverse
landscape.
Steider
began instructing in 1987 at the community college level,
adding kilnforming to her classes in 2001. In 2004
she began teaching at the national level traveling to glass
conferences across the country. Her teaching style is upbeat
and information packed. She is an enthusiastic instructor
with a sharing attitude; "No secrets withheld" could
be her bi-line according to appreciative student's reviews. A co-founder of the Gorge Chapter of the Oregon Glass Guild,
Steider has been instrumental in promoting glass throughout
the region. She was co-producer of 'Glass in the Gorge' and
the 'Blossom Glass Gallery'. Steider facilitated many nationally
acclaimed glass artists speaking and teaching for the OGG
gorge meetings. Steider has studied with pioneer glass artists Ruth Brockmann,
Roger Thomas, Linda Ethier, Avery Anderson, and Richard LaLonde.
Artist Statement:
I have always loved glass. It didn't occur to me that
I could work with it as a medium until a friend introduced
me to kilnformed glass in 1996. After 20 years as a fiber
artist, I sold my studio contents to take up my newfound
'glass passion'. Color is an essential part of my work,
as is having fun and taking time to play with this versatile
medium. Nature is my primary source for inspiration, and
my garden a close second.
Rather than stating my intention for each piece or series,
I find it fascinating to let the viewers derive their own
meaning, based on their life experience. This can sometimes
be different from my intended portrayal, but serves as
a reminder that we all see the same circumstance or image
differently.
Contact
Information:
If
you would like to contact Linda, please use the form
below to send her a message.
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