Meet Donna Taylor Mayo | Glass Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donna Taylor Mayo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donna Taylor, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I began my formal art career as a graphic designer.   I was responsible for conveying my client’s message through visuals and symbols . I loved the challenge. But there is a delightful freedom (and occasionally a terrifying risk) in sharing my own passions and direction. It’s worth it! I choose the subject matter to sculpt and ultimately produce in glass. It is from my imagination and heart – not just an assignment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I love the way glass looks and feels to the touch. It is almost magical! I started fusing glass after reading a few books on the subject. It was stated that glass working is considered one of the ancient arts and I loved the idea of dabbling in something with such a history.

My journey took a turn when a friend who volunteered at a recycling center asked me to use some of the window glass that was stacking up. I told her “no.” I had no idea how to work with it. She persisted and I eventually took some and started experimenting. After about 3 months of trial and error… plenty of error… I had come up with a process that worked.   Initially, my “studio space” was a small alcove in my husband’s workshop – enough room for a kiln and counter to cut on.

The art process I began with was sculpture created from fiber paper – a clean and symbol style.  Since then, I have moved on to clay. The clay allows for more detail which is enhanced by the minerals I use in the process.  The combination of the beautiful watery blue tone of the glass and etching quality of the minerals add a serenity to the art. Instead of the brilliance of fused colored glass, my art depends on shape and shadow… much like a black and white photo.

The glass is sourced from local window companies. At least 80% of the glass I sell is made from scrap pieces that would otherwise end in our landfill. It is great to be part of a green art!    I am happy to say my working space has grown too – 3,600 sq ft of shop to design, sculpt, cut and fire in.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Our area has no shortage of natural beauty! A day trip to Mt Rainier for a choice of hiking trails depending on the ambition of my friends.

Grab a tasty lunch at Tugboat Annie’s in Olympia then rent a couple kayaks for paddling the South Sound.

Drive out to Seabrook on the coast for a meal and a stroll through the village then drive to Ruby Beach for a nice beach walk.

Bike a former rail trail through the woods and small towns in Thurston County…  my favorite is the one that stops in our beautiful Tenino Park.

Art and antique shopping on Tower Street in Centralia with a yummy stop at Dawn’s Delectables.

Catch the ferry at Bremerton to Seattle’s waterfront for a day in the downtown without the headache of parking.

Drive the stunning Hwy 101 out to Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles to see the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh gosh! I have so many family and friends who have encouraged my artistic endeavors.  But I do have a couple special shoutouts:  Both of our daughters, Heather & Lauryn who are professionals in their own fields, are a great source of counsel, encouragement and laughter when needed – I appreciate all of their input.   Tiffany, my web designer also helps keep me on track in addition to creating a gorgeous online presence for my art.  Jenny, Jennifer & George are my non-profit partners who work tirelessly to enhance creativity in our community.  And it is my husband Steve who deserves so much of my gratitude.  He has taken the most risks since artists rarely make the “highest paid” anything list – his income has kept us stable while I chased a dream. He has also voiced his appreciation for the ingenuity my glass process takes and added his own engineering skills to help smooth things out. While he is not terribly creative, he is perfect at helping me problem solve… a great partner in this adventure.

Website: Www.ofWaterWindAndWoods.com

Image Credits
Donna Taylor Mayo