LeaAnn Cogswell
Founder of Studio Works
Sculptor & Glass Artist
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Studio Works embodies a host of disciplines, all because I could never rule any of them out. Glass, Sculpture, Drawing, Painting all hold me captive -- in the best ways. I believe being able to move from one to another helps keep each one fresh and energized.
When did you start Studio Works? What made you want to launch your business?
I have always loved the human figure. You can blame Michelangelo for that. Sculpture always felt the most REAL to me. After all, it is not an illusion of an image. It lives in real time and space. You can touch it, move around it and see it change as the daylight progresses. Sculpture is the most physically challenging and you get to work with fire and metal and stone. lt challenges every part of your being and makes you stronger. At times, I have considered combining sculpture and glass. Glass has had a particularly strong grasp on me since the days of the New Glass Movement in the 70’s, and I was introduced to some of the rock stars of the medium from the West Coast. Light makes glass live and it changes the environment it inhabits throughout the days and nights. It is a lively, magical medium.
What are you most passionate about?
I guess that's what I'm most passionate about, sharing what I've learned and building a community where we can all grow better in the things we love.
Where do you gather inspiration from?
I've found that working with other artists, ones of all levels, and especially those who are better than I, has brought me to a higher level and made me a better artist. Working in a community, sharing a model, sharing what we've each learned, painting, drawing, sculpting, collaborating on projects together, helps keep us all vibrant and growing.
If you could invite any three people to your dream dinner party, who would they be?
As for dinner, I would love to have dinner with three good friends I can be completely myself with. Relax, laugh, enjoy good food together.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Advice to my younger self? Do not be timid nor afraid. Find mentors. Ask questions -- LOTS of them. Find the people who know what you want to know and work hard to learn everything you can.
What quote or saying do you try to live by?
From sculptor Richard MacDonald: 'What would you do if you KNEW you couldn't fail?'
Say Bonjour
website: https://leaanncogswell.com
social - IG: @studiowrks
