Sally Mackin
Fused Glass Sculpture
Representative Works:
Space Needle and Seattle Skylines
Geometric Platters
Copper and Glass Wall Hangings
Multi-Color Masks on Stands
Seattle artist Sally Mackin’s work is quite diverse, consisting of a wide array of tiles, plates, cups and saucers, candle holders, vases, wall art and sculpture. Unlike a lot of other glass artists, she doesn’t specialize in any one subject. “Some artists will primarily do nature, geometric shapes, or people. But I like doing a little bit of everything.”
The artist became acquainted with the medium of glass in 2000 when she took a self-directed class at her local college. Mackin spent the semester learning everything she could about glass: what it does at what temperature and what it looks like, which glasses are soft, and which are compatible with each other.
Up until taking the class, Mackin worked as a medical assistant. Before that, she was a full time homemaker. With her children grown, she was ready to pursue glass as an art form. Each day she continues to learn more about glass and refine her skill. “Whenever I see something new, I try it. And if I don’t know how to do it, I’ll find out by trial and error. I learn a lot by experimenting.”
Each piece of Mackin’s glass is hand-cut, her own design and creation, and she fabricates her own work. “No two pieces are ever exactly alike. It leaves room for individuality, not mass production.”
Mackin aims to keep her prices low, so art lovers of all incomes can enjoy her work. “I don’t have to make a million dollars doing this. I want people to enjoy it because they enjoy glass and they love all the beautiful colors.”
-Rebecca Sweat, Home by Design