From Saskatchewan farm girl to world class glass artist

Heather Konschuh grew up on a Saskatchewan farm with no idea where a love for art might eventually take her, but more than two decades later, that journey has taken the Canadian glass artist from Australia and England to Vancouver, and now, later this month, north to Fort St. John.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

Some of the hand-blown and sculptural work of Vancouver glass artist Konschuh, who will be in Fort St. John Sept. 26 for the first Arts in Partnership Conference. (Submitted photos)

Konschuh will be one of the featured guests at the Fort St. John Community Arts Council's first Arts in Partnership Conference on Sept. 26, serving as keynote speaker for the evening Drink and Draw Mixer.

After earning a BFA in Glass with distinction, Konschuh studied in Australia and worked in studios in Canada and England before eventually establishing her career in Vancouver, where she creates hand-blown and sculptural glass inspired by nature.

Her work has been exhibited internationally, and in 2010 Konschuh was selected by Laureen Harper to design the G8 and G20 charger plates presented to the First Ladies.

She now teaches glassblowing at Terminal City Glass Co-op, and when she comes to Fort St. John later this month, Konschuh will share some of the stories, challenges, unexpected opportunities and lessons that have shaped more than 20 years as an artist.

At the heart of her story is a fairly simple message for anyone trying to find their own creative path: take a chance, believe in yourself and don't be afraid to see where the journey takes you.