Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Thomasula
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Michelle’s journey in the world of art has been nothing short of remarkable. It all began during her elementary years when she discovered her deep-rooted passion for artistic expression, eventually setting her sights on becoming an art teacher. This early determination laid the foundation for a life long commitment to the arts.
Her educational path lead her to a vocational high school specializing in Advertising Art & Photography in her home town of Buffalo, NY, where she she honed her skills and gained a solid understanding of visual communication.
This was just the beginning, as Michelle’s thirst for knowledge and creativity propelled her to Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, OK. There, she graduated with high honors, earning a BA in Art Education.
Teaching has always been at the core of Michelle’s aspirations. She finds immense joy in sharing her expertise and nurturing the artistic talents of those who share her passion. Michelle firmly believes in the importance of passing down her knowledge to future generations, ensuring the perpetuation of artistic excellence.
Michelle’s artistic repertoire is as diverse as it is impressive. She is proficient in various forms and mediums, including sketching, fine art painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, calligraphy, and stained glass artistry, where she has achieved acclaim as a multiple prize- winning artist. As the proud owner of Prismatic Glass Designs, Michelle has created a haven where her students not only learn the intricate art of stained glass but also develop a deep appreciation for its beauty and craftsmanship. This chapter of Michelle’s life was only going to be a hobby, but the demand for repairs, commissions, and custom pieces let her into a full time studio business, meeting the demands she had no idea were out there!
Michelle is currently works on (9) Church windows they will be placed in a small church in Columbus, GA.
Through her dedication to teaching and her own artistic endeavors, Michelle continues to inspire and uplift those around her, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and education.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Who doesn’t have obstacles and challenges, it’s part of this thing we call life!
About 7 years ago I knew I wanted to teach the art of stained glass to others, but didn’t have enough tools, materials, equipment, and space, etc…. This was one big obstacle that took time, buying out other studios and donated tools was a start. Finding a space was a struggle, once that happened I found needing more space is going to be never ending!
My biggest challenge has been self teaching and self discipline. I’ve challenged myself with bigger and more complicated projects to learn leading, with little instruction and the help of YouTube I managed to master the technique and whole process. I’ve also learned it’s not safe to go out in the studio to do ANYTHING before getting dressed in the morning, I just may end up there until the wee hours of the evening still in my PJ’s!
Oh…. did I mention keeping track of everything and having to do the “Business” part of it all, that’s my biggest challenge yet, but I’m getting there!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a stained glass artist, the only medium never taken….. I immediately feel in love with the process of stained glass!
In June of 2014 after making my first sun-catcher i was hooked, it then all spiraled into this wonderful stained glass business.
My love for teaching, love of art, and love of learning all rolled into my stained glass business. I catch myself thinking, is that’s all I talk about is my passion of making stained glass? It turns out, it is!
I’m known as the “glass whisperer”, bringing old falling apart pieces of stained glass back to life (I call it “the new old”).
I consider came lead my specialty, it gives a piece the strength due to a cementing process to be out in the weather for hundreds of years!!
This process isn’t for every stained glass artist, many prefer sticking to the copper foil method.
I love the commissions, the custom pieces, the repairs and teaching it to others for future generations to fall in love with it as I did.
Currently I’m working on a commission for a small church in Columbus, Ga, I’m excited to see my creation of 9 stained glass windows are going to look like when finished and installed… It will be a very proud moment for sure!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I hope that one day I will be in a much larger studio and to have the basics to sell to my students that show interest to continue their adventures in stained glass, which truly makes me happy when they do! I would love noting more then to have space for working more efficiently, a gallery, and classrooms to teach more students at a time!
My biggest hope to get to the point for someone to do the “Business” part of it all, so I have more time to focus on what I do best!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://Prismaticglassdesigns.com
- Instagram: @MLTHOMASULA
- Facebook: Prismatic Glass Designs
- Other: Tik Tok:: C_Shell4U & Google : Prismatic Glass Designs
Image Credits
Michelle Thomasula
