Artist Interview - Franci Claudon of Magpie Studio

We’ve been away for a couple of days, but over here at Marin Handmade there are still a few artists left to introduce you to.  The weekend comes to a close with another exceptional addition to our group.

Enjoy today’s interview with Franci Claudon of Magpie Studio (www.magpiestudiodesign.etsy.com).  With her amazing functional glass work, Franci’s keen eye for color and contemporary style might make you rethink your serving pieces for the upcoming Holidays!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I bring color, light and joy to the world with my art.  I am a Silicon Valley cubicle refugee who is now living in the Napa Valley and expressing my creativity via kiln-formed and stained glass art.  I am inspired by whimsy and play and curiosity and color - always color.  

What kind of artist are you? And what first drew you to that particular medium?

I am a modernist with a playful heart.

I’ve been making art since I could grip a crayon and have played with paint, pencils, clay, beads, textiles, etc.  I was curious about glass so enrolled in an evening stained glass workshop with the goal of making a simple little project.  In the process of purchasing the materials for the class I found an amazing teacher, Jeffrey Castaline, owner of Aanraku Glass Studios in San Mateo, CA.  The “standard” teaching practice is to start with very small projects and gradually build up to larger and more difficult ones.

Jeffrey had a very different philosophy about how to teach glass – his requirement was that a first project had to have at least 200 pieces and be complex and large. By the time a student finished the project she would have a solid skills foundation and would know if she loved or hated doing stained glass. If it was love – great!  Keep making more.  If it was hate – great!  Never do it again but you will forever have an amazing piece of art you made.

For me it was love.  I like to say that I had been “dating” all the other mediums but found my soul mate in glass.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am a coach who works with clients who are creating their most kick ass lives. My coaching is another expression of my creativity.  I fully believe that anything is possible when intention, commitment and “moving your feet” are combined. 

 

Please describe your creative process.

Curiosity is my muse.  Many pieces begin with the question “I wonder what would happen if . . . ?”  When the kiln gods are smiling the answer is “Magic”!

I am a collector of random bits of information, inspiration and influence.  While I would never do well on Jeopardy I may surprise you with some arcane factoid that I’ve squirreled away.  These disparate bits coalesce into design inspirations when my mind is left to wander about while I’m doing something mundane like cleaning the house.  Like a dream forgotten upon waking I need to record them or they will drift off like wisps of smoke.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

I most cherish the items that connect me to my family, friends and memories.  Photos taken, clocks restored, pictures drawn or painted, clay sculpted, beads strung, letters written, wine produced.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

The abundant natural beauty in the North Bay feeds my soul.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Artist, author and student. Continuing to create in every aspect of my life. Led by curiosity to keep learning, growing, exploring and playing.