green janie :: artwork

my artwork
a note from green janie

An artist is something I never intended to be, but with the right inspiration and an open heart you can reveal a self you didn't even know existed.

I was first inspired by sunlight dancing off of a pile of broken tempered safety glass. I saw beauty and potential in this pile of trash and felt compelled to do something as a form of expression, a creative outlet, and an opportunity to contribute to the sustainability conversation.

Glass has always fascinated me, especially the way it plays with light. I am intrigued by the dichotomous nature of a material that can be fragile and strong, dangerous or protective, and invisible yet beautiful. Working in the glass business has made me all too aware of the unfortunate waste in our industry. The majority of the glass in this country ends up in landfills. Because glass won’t break down in a landfill, virtually every piece of glass that has ever landed there is still there. What a waste of this infinitely renewable material! This frustration is part of what drives me in my art.

My main materials are tempered glass from car windows and various household applications, glass stain, other scrap glass, and mirrors, bottles, jars, and other discarded items. Incorporating found objects into my pieces gives me infinite joy. My favorite adhesive cures with a little help from sunlight.

Repurposing as much as possible is a priority in my artwork. I have used old windows and cabinet doors as frames, pop-top tabs as hangers, and tissue paper from a birthday present as a background.

My husband and our glass-shop family help collect materials, cut glass, solve design problems, and inspire me. I am so lucky to have these talented individuals at my disposal. My son and extended family and friends inspire and encourage me daily and constantly give me glass bottles and other trash to incorporate into my work. How cool is that?

Heavy on whimsy, my upcycled, repurposed work is a wink and a nod at nature and the world around us and a reminder to see the things we throw away in a different light. Ugly trash can become something beautiful. Broken pieces can come together in new and interesting ways. All is not lost.

Jane Marks-Hastig
Green-minded artist specializing in upcycling reclaimed glass

"An artist is something I never intended to be, but with the right inspiration and an open heart you can reveal a self you didn't even know existed."
—Jane Marks-Hastig

Commissioned artwork is available.
Contact Jane for a consultation.

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my artworka note from green janie

my artwork
a note from green janie