Kathy DiSalvo

All About Kathy...

I am a glass artist and painter whose artistic vision developed as I grew up in the north woods of MN. Not only did I love being in the outdoors, but the colors, light, textures and shapes of the trees, rivers, rocks, sunsets and animals intrigued me. The transition to NW Wisconsin as an adult was easy as I'm still surrounded by the same sensory stimulation, which so easily translates into art.

From childhood I was obsessed with pencil drawing, then oil painting. Eventually I did commercial sign painting, wood working and carving, but I now mostly create outdoor mosaic art, some stained glass and fused glass for all seasons...which can also be displayed indoors. The mosaic panels, sculptures and garden posts are made with glass, ceramic tiles, Lake Superior stones and fused glass inclusions. 

While working on an art degree, I had no interest in the glass arts. Then in the early 1990's when I saw a particularly beautiful Stained-glass window with the sun shining through and colorful reflections on the floor, I knew I had to learn more about glass arts.  I took a Community Ed, Stained-glass class and began my new path. Although I've had art education, much of what I do has been self-taught through my creative vision, research, much trial and error, and the drive to accomplish what I set out to do.

Through exploration to incorporate natural elements into my art, I discovered I also enjoy painting wildlife on Wild Turkey Feathers with acrylics. The turkey feathers, with iridescent copper and bronze tones, are a work of art on their own, but I try to do them justice by painting a bit of extra "wildness" on them.

My artistic vision is to create art that inspires appreciation and preservation of our natural surroundings. I hope it also triggers a favorite memory from a great experience in the woods, near the water or in the garden...or possibly a favorite smell, sight or sound from outdoors.