My City July 2021

Lindholm & Robertson. “I eventually left the firm to start my own practice.” Parker became interested in work ing with glass in 2005, when she started fusing glass in the basement of her home. She had never worked with glass before and is basically self-taught, hon ing her skills by attending workshops. “I flew out to Portland, Oregon to take classes,” she shares, “and I only use Bullseye Glass; it is the most expen sive.”Her background as a potter was very helpful. “In order to make glass correctly, you have to know how to work with the kiln. I know the science and the melting temperature. I like color, primarily bold colors,” she says, “and you can achieve that with glass.” Coming up with designs was easy for the artisan. Her collections con sist of functional dinnerware, bowls and plates and more. “Whatever you put on your table is what I make,” Parker says. She remembers her mother having 12 different sets of dishes – everyday and holiday dishes. “I was always more intrigued with the colorful ones,” she remembers. p

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