Liana Martin

Artist Information:
Education:
University of Maryland
Hillsborough Community College -- A.S. in Information Technology
Kennesaw State University – B.S. in Biology

Selected workshops:
Spruill Center for the Arts,Atlanta. GA
Bullseye Educator's Conference, Portland, OR - 2003, 2005, 2007
Corning Glass Studios, Corning, NY

Exhibitions:
Kennesaw State University -- 1998
Spruill Center for the Arts     1999
North Georgia Heritage Center-- 1999
Manatee Community College -- 2003, 2005
Venice Art Center Venice, FL. -- 2004, 2006
Legg Mason -- 2003
Longboat Key Art Center, FL -- 2005       

Memberships:
International Glass Guild Association
Suncoast Glass Guild
American Crafts Council
Cultural Arts Alliance
West Coast Bead Society
Glass Art Society

I have always loved nature and wildlife. Living and working with animals all my life has brought a variety of co-habitants into our house. Some of these came from jobs that I had, such as the zoo, veterinary clinics, and pet shops. Others either found us and took up residency or my boys brought them home. These are the inspirations of some of my art work.

While attending Kennesaw State University, I discovered clay and found that I could express my love of nature in an art form. Shortly thereafter, I was introduced to glass.  I began by making beads, but then found out about glass fusing and got hooked, big time! I have learned to combine both torch and kiln work to create unique pieces. My natural curiosity leads me to constantly experiment to see what would happen if...

After moving back to Florida in 2000, I founded the Suncoast Glass Guild for glass artists on the Gulf Coast. I also opened my own studio, Firebug Designs, in Venice, Florida in 2002 and now create fused art pieces full time. I feel fortunate that I found a way to combine my two passions, nature and glass, into an art form that I can share with others.