Artist: Christina Williamson

Size: 34 1/2" height, 8" width of violin at widest point, 3" thickness of violin at thickest point

Media: Mixed -- Glass Mosaic, Swarovski Crystal, Wood, Wire

Christina Williamson has received numerous awards for her work in the mediums of leather, ceramics, and jewelry. Professionally, Christina received a degree in the field of Occupational Therapy, which is both creative and nurturing by nature and has worked for over 20 years in geriatric rehabilitation, ergonomic education, and with the developmentally disabled population.

Throughout this time period, Christina has pursued her love of art in the form of Childrens' Theatre working in prop, set-design and costuming for large productions in both California anbd New York. She has worked in the mediums of mosaic, painting, collage, mask-making, jewelry, prop-building, costuming, and leatherwork for a variety of local schools and non-profit organizations. Always intrigued by the clarity and vibrancy of glass, Christina created, Radiant Light Productions, where her fused and lamp-worked glass creations represent Christina's most recent form of artistic expression. Through the organic and brilliant nature of these one-of-a-kind pieces of art, it is Christina's desire that you experience your own inner clarity, vibrancy, and radiance.

The process: I thoroughly enjoy the process of mosaic as it is such a colorful way to express through organic materials such as glass. This particular piece was a joy to produce and it is my desire that it bring light and love to its owner. Each of the individual "accent stones" are either beads that I created individually on my torch or are pieces that I designed and fused in my glass kiln. The unique and vibrant qualitites of the "dichroic" glass accents add a magical quality each appearing to have its own "story to tell".

The glass pieces were first hand cut and shaped on a grinder. Each piece was then individually glued to the violin and base to create the desired pattern which was especially challenging given the unique shape of the instrument. Care was taken to allow the "rim" of beautiful wood to remain exposed as a tribute to its original state and beauty. The musical notes and playful vibrant colors and patterns inherent in the design are meant to elicit feelings of joy, passion, and hopefulness. The spiral design on the base was inspired by the symbol representing "gratitude" (see more at www.gogratitude.com) and is also repeated in the wooden handle of the violin. The mirrored stand was meant to reflect the beauty of the colorful instrument. Once the design was complete the piece was then grouted with a rich Delorean gray and sealed to protect the materials. The metal hands were designed and sculpted using a variety of wire gauges and types. The crystal design was woven using 8, 10, and 12mm Swarovski crystal accents. Swarovksi (Austrian crystals) were also added to the violin to create the colorful strings. The violin is easily removed and replaced on the stand.