Chris Guercio

Fused Glass Artist

"Everyone has the creative spark within them."

Describe yourself as a maker/artist/creative

I'm a fused glass artist who dabbles in alcohol ink art as well. In these pandemic times, I have been teaching alcohol inks online. In fused glass, I love to experiment with new techniques.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on 10" x 17" inch fused glass panels featuring mountains, and some 12" square alcohol inks.

Has your work shifted in response to the pandemic? How?

At the very beginning of the pandemic I had a burst of creativity and felt like I had to get the ideas that were crowding my head out and into glass. After that initial burst of energy, the doldrums set in, which I think reflected my grief at what was going on in the world. Around December, things shifted and my energy inexplicably returned just as the pandemic was really ramping up.

In your opinion, what role does the creative process play in helping us confront our “new” reality?

I think that many, if not all, of us will come out of this pandemic with a re-shaped world view. Some of us are learning new things about ourselves, some are realizing certain truths about themselves that were there all along but were somehow not recognized. It is as if when you look out across a valley at the other side, something--a building or road--that you intellectually know is there is usually hidden. But after an unusual event, such as a big snow, those buildings or roads are suddenly visible because the snow has highlighted their outlines in a new way. The pandemic is doing this for us now. Friends who moved to this area for work are now realizing how much their families mean to them and are moving back home. Others are retiring or changing jobs. Some are learning new skills online.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Everyone has the creative spark within them. Some people nurture this spark and allow it to be expressed in their lives--whether it's in art or cooking, teaching, or child rearing. Others repress the creative spark. When repressed, frustration, boredom, and loneliness occur, sometimes turning to rage and self destructive actions. Nurturing that spark is a vital part of our human experience. If more of us used our creative spark to express ourselves positively, our world would be a kinder space. Let's create kindness through creativity.

See more of Chris' work here.