Candace

Creative Elements of Expressions Founder, Owner, and Artist, Candace

Finding Healing Through Fused Glass on the Oregon Coast


As I packed up my life in Arizona and headed to the Oregon coast, I didn't anticipate stumbling upon an unexpected source of comfort - fused glass. Coping with the loss of my child, I sought solace in the tranquil surroundings of my seaside refuge. It was here, amidst the waves, trees, and salty breeze, that I discovered the therapeutic nature of this captivating art form.

Fused glass captured my attention with its beautiful colors and seamless blending of disparate pieces. Working with shattered fragments became a cathartic experience, allowing me to reclaim brokenness and craft something whole. Each creation provided solace and renewal, offering a path of healing through the shards of pain.

My lifelong passion for photography and other artistic mediums accompanied me on this healing journey. The camera lens became a translator, capturing nature's beauty and mirroring the ebb and flow of my emotions. Art became a means to express the profound depths of grief and give voice to the indescribable ache within. It also introduced a sense of whimsy and freedom, a playfulness that could at times be shadowed. Fused glass and photography formed a harmonious relationship, amplifying each other's healing power.

In the serene embrace of my coastal studio, amidst scattered glass and ever-evolving artwork, I discover solace. Fused glass and the pursuit of art transcend mere occupation; they emerge as a lifeline, guiding me through the intricacies of grief and uncovering pockets of joy. Within the tapestry of my creations, I unearth hope, resilience, and a profound sense of purpose.

Every piece I bring to life resonates with the beauty of recovery, serving as a poignant reminder that, even in the wake of loss, we possess the power to find strength and fashion something exquisite from the fragments of life's challenges.