Team Member Profile: Robbin Tracy
Robbin Tracy has been an integral part of Glassworks, Inc. for nearly a decade. Her dedication to glassworking is truly inspiring and it shows through her work. We sat down with Robbin to get an insider’s perspective on the world of architectural art glass.
What kind of degree and training do you have?
I have B.A. degrees from the University of Minnesota in both Art History and Spanish/Portuguese. Despite my more academic focus in college, I’ve always created art. My glass training has all been “on-the-job.” Inspired by the luminescent simplicity of Gothic stained glass windows, I landed a job at a stained glass supply store in Minneapolis where I learned how to build windows. At that point, I was hooked, and began working on a professional level at an architectural art glass studio in Minneapolis, where I was exposed to kiln-working and etching while still creating custom stained glass. Again, I was hooked; and a couple of years later, I decided to make the move to Seattle to build on my glass-working skills. I started working with Glassworks 6 months after moving here, and have been here since!
Tell us a little about yourself, what are your hobbies?
In my free time I like to design and create smaller-scale works; from jewelry, leaded glass panels, or my latest focus of terrariums. I’ve always found inspiration from nature, and I love being able to incorporate my love of “green-thumbery” with glass. Aside from that, I enjoy music, playing Mahjongg with pals, pickling anything, eating Indian food and snowboarding.
What is the hardest aspect for you when working with glass?
The most difficult aspect at times can be making sure all the variables are accounted for. We use time-tested and well-researched techniques; but, because our work here is custom there is always an X-factor at play. When we’re thrown a curve ball, figuring out which variables to change to make the finished product turn out perfectly takes some work and creative problem-solving. Glass is not the most forgiving medium. It can misbehave sometimes. It keeps me on my toes!
What is the most rewarding part of glassworking for you?
As challenging as the custom aspect can be, it is also very rewarding and still my favorite part of this industry. Working within the parameters of what glass can do and what the design calls for can be an enticing challenge. The process is collaborative with other glass workers and designers bouncing ideas off of one another to create the best strategy. It takes timing and instinct to bring these projects to life. There is a very satisfying moment when the finished piece is ready and its execution has that little something extra beyond what we were going for. I also love working with color and look forward to any opportunity to incorporate it into a project.
What is the newest, freshest approach or technique you are bringing to the job?
Research and development of new processes is always exciting for me. A recent job has allowed us to do some interesting things with colored glazes, enamels and painting – it’s opened up a lot of new design possibilities.
Robbin, thank you for taking the time to give us a snapshot of your work here at Glassworks, Inc. I know our customers and especially everyone here at Glassworks really appreciate your efforts and enthusiasm.
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Do you have a question for Robbin? Email her “Attention Robbin Tracy” via our Contact Form.
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