Meet carrie gustafson | artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with carrie gustafson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi carrie, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
To bring light, joy and expanded consciousness to the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel so fortunate that, as an artist, I am afforded the luxury of quiet every single day and the peace I receive from being in my studio is immeasurable. My studio is my sanctuary and my joy.  The place where I find stillness and connect to other dimensions.

By extension my work is an invitation to this stillness and to resonate with the deeper understanding that we are light beings and infinitely connected to one another.

It has been remarkable to witness the effect that my work, created in tranquility, has on others. That the pieces I craft with love, care and time do indeed shine serenity, light and joy back into the world.

My work is largely influenced by the natural world and I have come to view my studio time akin to cultivating a garden. A daily routine that is both an outlet for creative discovery and a space where I find balance. There is an organic rhythm to my process. Like an inhale and an exhale – inhaling my surroundings and exhaling life into new pieces. With each new piece another door for exploration opens. And I have found that each work uniquely informs the next; as much as anything external or pre-meditative.

A larger piece can take several weeks to complete and the seemingly simple act of hand cutting and applying stencils – one at a time – has led to great discovery. Watching the growth of new patterns and the interplay of positive and negative space is a creative journey in itself. My love of color is always present and glass – magical and radiant; made by way of breath’s imprint – retains importance as metaphor in my work.

Each piece can serve as a mandala to enter presence. To enter stillness. To find deeper resonance with oneself.

My advice to any artist is to believe in your vision and surround yourself with people who support your journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live on Spy Pond in Arlington ( one of the best local places to enjoy the sunset ) and on the minuteman bikeway which is, in my opinion,  the best way to get in and out of town.  It’s a 10 minute tree lined bike ride from my home in Arlington to my Cambridge studio and in the other direction the path will take you through historic Lexington out to Bedford and Concord.  A ride I do nearly everyday in the summer months.

In Arlington you can find vegan fresh rolls at the Kickstand Cafe, terrific coffee at Barismo, art supplies at Play Time and a get hot stone foot massage and pedicure at Graces Nails – which is delightful in the winter!

Closer to my studio is Porter Square Books, Cambridge Naturals and Down Under Yoga. Ten minutes further into the city is Harvard Square where you can visit the Harvard Museums. In the opposite direction you can find pizza and fresh breads at Iggy’s or snacks from Sofra which you can enjoy as you walk around Fresh Pond ( another great spot for sunset ) or Mt. Auburn Cemetery ( extraordinary in the spring!).

If the visit happens in summer we are off to Crane Beach, Plum Island or Martha’s Vineyard (where we have an affiliate studio).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out goes to Andy Magdanz and Susan Shapiro who’s unparalleled generosity has provided studio space for our community for the past 25 years.

And to my family and friends who have encouraged me to follow my heart.

Website: www.carrigustafson.com

Instagram: carriegustafsonglass

Image Credits
Portrait: Cary Wolinsky for American Craft Magazine All of the vessels: Bill Truslow The two images of the transparent dahlia vases and the wall piece (shard drawings): Carrie Gustafson