“People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

Elizabeth Krebler-Ross, Swiss American Psychiatrist & Author

Many dream of being artists, having their light seen by the world. But few are as blessed with the talents and skills as this month’s featured artist, Jo Perez. Her studio, Dark Hollow Glass, has locations in Alderton, West Virginia and Charlottesville, Virginia. From these locations, Ms. Perez produces the work which truly allows her light to shine from within.

Well-versed in many artistic forms, ranging from drawing and painting to pottery and sculpture and extending to fabric art and woodworking, she is best known for her work in stained glass art. Through the variety of stained glass pieces she has created, her passion for life and nature can be seen.

Formally trained in the visual arts, Ms. Perez was first introduced to stained glass upon moving to West Virginia’s artists’ haven of Lewisburg. There she was heavily influenced by the work of Elizabeth Grafton, and because of this decided to forgo her pottery work and concentrate on working with stained glass.

When asked what drew her to stained glass art, she replied, “I was initially intrigued with the emotion of the stained glass.” This emotion flows through her art work as each piece demonstrates the purity and beauty which can only be reflected from deep within an artist’s soul.

Her love of nature can be seen in the mirrors, lamps and wall hangings she has produced. Her mother’s influence can been seen in the quilt squares she has created, which magnificently combine two unique art forms. Her work conveys a sense of peace and harmony with the world around her that belies human description.

ID-Digest is extremely proud to introduce Jo Perez, stained glass artist extrodinere and proprietor of Dark Hollow Glass, to our readership.

To see more of Jo Perez’s work, visit Dark Hollow Glass at www.darkhollowglass.com.