About Linda Steider

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ARTIST STATEMENT

I have always loved glass. It didn't occur to me that I could work with it as a medium until a friend introduced me to kilnformed glass in 1996. After 20 years as a fiber artist, I sold my studio contents to take up my newfound "glass passion." Color is an essential part of my work, as is having fun and taking time to play with this versatile medium. Nature is my primary source for inspiration, and my garden a close second. Rather than stating my intention for each piece or series, I find it fascinating to let the viewers derive their own meaning, based on their life experience. This can sometimes be different from my intended portrayal, but serves as a reminder that we all see the same circumstance or image differently.

BIOGRAPHY

Linda Steider is a studio artist working primarily with kilnformed glass. After twenty years of textiles and pastels, Steider transitioned to glass in 1997. Her broad range of experience and skills brings a rare perspective to the world of glass. Steider's award winning work (both in fiber and glass) has been shown nationally and internationally. Her pieces are included in private collections across North America, Europe, and Japan. Current work can be seen at Columbia Art Gallery, Hood River, OR; The Dalles Art Center, The Dalles, OR; Natural Spaces and Fireborne Gallery, Portland OR; and the Carnegie Art Center, Walla Walla WA. Growing up, Steider was significantly impacted by the culture of the Yakama Tribe, and, later, by the glitz of Hollywood. That unlikely combination of influences are woven into her art and personality. She has lived in the Columbia River Gorge since 1984, constantly awed and inspired by the majestic beauty of the diverse landscape. Steider began instructing in 1987 at the community college level, adding kilnforming to her classes in 2001. In 2004 she began teaching at the national level, traveling to glass conferences across the country. Her teaching style is upbeat and information-packed. She is an enthusiastic instructor with a sharing attitude; "No secrets withheld" could be her byline according to appreciative student's reviews. A co-founder of the Gorge Chapter of the Oregon Glass Guild, Steider has been instrumental in promoting glass throughout the region. She was co-producer of "Glass in the Gorge" and the "Blossom Glass Gallery," as well as the current "June Glass Month" in the Gorge. Steider facilitated many nationally acclaimed glass artists speaking and teaching for the OGG Gorge meetings. Steider has studied with pioneer glass artists including Ruth Brockmann, Roger Thomas, Linda Ethier, Avery Anderson, Newey Fagan, and Richard LaLonde.