About the Artist

 

Born in Springfield, Illinois, self-taught artisan, Andrew Bethard, began working glass at the age young of fifteen after reading a book about making glass beads.  Intrigued and inspired Andrew found himself immersed in the world of glass.  "I was in love with the medium {glass} from the start. You'll never forget the feeling you get the first time you see melting glass first-hand.  At first I felt excitement and a little awe, but as the punty turned and the excitement wore off I felt a reverence and respect for the glass."  

 

As life progressed over the next decade, Andrew was rarely able to work glass and longed for the days of when he could do so again.  Now settled in New Glarus, Wisconsin, Andrew has once again immersed himself into the world of glass.  "During the time I had away from working glass, I truly felt a creative void. As an artist, that can be a big part of your well-being."  

 

Now, more than sixteen years after his first experience of working glass, Andrew has a small lampworking and fusing studio.  He hopes to grow this studio to help share the art of working glass with all.  "The goal of my work is to inspire and educate anyone who is willing in this ancient and beautiful medium. I will always keep learning, evolving, and creating."