BIO
Lana Chu was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and lived and traveled throughout the United States and Europe as a child where she developed a deep appreciation for the arts. Chu began studying art, but soon became enamored with the sciences as well. She has a Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Memphis and a ten year career in Nutrition and Research. After exploring several mediums over time, she found the perfect combination of science and art when she became a full time studio glass artist in 2006.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My lifelong fascination with glass began as a child when I stood mesmerized watching the glassblowers making little glass animals for the tourist trade in Murano, Italy. I am drawn to glass because of its ability to transform light and despite its fragile appearance, its strength and durability. The process of using a hot flame to change a fragile solid into a liquid malleable material is one of the most intriguing aspects of glass work.
I am primarily a glass artist, but my most recent work incorporates flame-worked and blown glass, acrylics or encaustic, paper, metal, and photo transfers to create effects on canvas. One piece may have many layers, some of which are not visible to the naked eye, but underneath it all, there is a story. Although each piece begins as a defined concept, with forms and colors influenced by the natural world, I am always open to the moment when the unexpected happens. My hope is that when you view these objects you too will feel the the magic of glass and flame and experience light’s transformation.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
"Works of Heart"
Group Exhibition, Memphis College of Art
Memphis, Tennessee, February 2011
"Works of Heart"
Group Exhibition, Memphis College of Art
Memphis, Tennessee, February 2010
"Images of the Feminine Divine"
Group Exhibition, The Levy Gallery of the Performing and Fine Arts Center
Memphis, Tennessee, February 20 through April 3, 2009
"Fusion of Dimension"
Joint Exhibit with Jana Travis, The Levy Gallery of the Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
Memphis, Tennessee, November 2008
PRESS AND AWARDS
2010 Women in Glass
Flow Magazine
Winter 2010 Issue
"Flame Artists Create Beloved Beads for Seriously Ill Children"
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee
November 13, 2010
First Place in the Glass Challenge Hobbyist Division
Flow Magazine Flameworking Journal
Spring 2010 Issue
"Natures Rhythm and Hues"
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee
November 28, 2008
EXPERIENCE
Studio Assistantship
Penland School of Crafts, September 2010
Studio Assistant for the Flameworking Studio in Leah Fairbanks Class:
Floral Gardens and Special Techniques
Account Executive (2009)
Touchway, LLC
Developed and executed strategies to target key accounts for a start up comany in the interactive advertising industry.
Glass Artist and Instructor (2006 - present)
Ginkgoglass, Flameworking Glass Studio and Teaching Facility, Memphis, Tennessee
Owner
Creating hand flameworked, blown and fused glass for galleries and individuals.
Teaching flameworking classes
Adjunct Instructor (1995 -1996)
The University of Memphis; Memphis, TN
Clinical Dietitian and Chief Clinical Dietitian (Jan 1993 – Dec 1994)
The Regional Medical Center; Memphis, TN
Nutritionist (1992 - 1993)
Beverly Enterprises; Memphis, TN
Clinical Dietitian (June 1990 – March 1992)
St. Joseph's Health Center; Hot Springs, AR
Clinical Affairs Coordinator (1988 - 1990)
Smith and Nephew, Richards; Memphis, TN
Clinical Research Dietitian (1986 – 1988)
University of Tennessee, Memphis; Memphis, TN
The Clinical Research Center and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial
Clinical Dietitian (1984 – 1986)
William F. Bowld Hospital; Memphis, TN
EDUCATION
Midwest Glass Experience, Third Degree Glass, St. Louis, Missouri, 2010
Midwest Glass Experience, Third Degree Glass, St. Louis, Missouri, 2009
Hot Time in the Mountains, A Touch of Glass, Asheville, NC, 2008
Hot Time in the Mountains, A Touch of Glass, Asheville, NC, 2007
Master of Science in Nutrition, University of Memphis; Memphis, TN, 1984
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, University of Memphis; Memphis, TN, 1983
MEMBERSHIPS
Glass Art Society
Lana Chu GinkgoGlass
Handcrafted Glassworks
About the Artist
BIO
Lana Chu was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and lived and traveled throughout the United States and Europe as a child where she developed a deep appreciation for the arts. Chu began studying art, but soon became enamored with the sciences as well. She has a Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Memphis and a ten year career in Nutrition and Research. After exploring several mediums over time, she found the perfect combination of science and art when she became a full time studio glass artist in 2006.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My lifelong fascination with glass began as a child when I stood mesmerized watching the glassblowers making little glass animals for the tourist trade in Murano, Italy. I am drawn to glass because of its ability to transform light and despite its fragile appearance, its strength and durability. The process of using a hot flame to change a fragile solid into a liquid malleable material is one of the most intriguing aspects of glass work.
I am primarily a glass artist, but my most recent work incorporates flame-worked and blown glass, acrylics or encaustic, paper, metal, and photo transfers to create effects on canvas. One piece may have many layers, some of which are not visible to the naked eye, but underneath it all, there is a story. Although each piece begins as a defined concept, with forms and colors influenced by the natural world, I am always open to the moment when the unexpected happens. My hope is that when you view these objects you too will feel the the magic of glass and flame and experience light’s transformation.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
"Works of Heart"
Group Exhibition, Memphis College of Art
Memphis, Tennessee, February 2011
"Works of Heart"
Group Exhibition, Memphis College of Art
Memphis, Tennessee, February 2010
"Images of the Feminine Divine"
Group Exhibition, The Levy Gallery of the Performing and Fine Arts Center
Memphis, Tennessee, February 20 through April 3, 2009
"Fusion of Dimension"
Joint Exhibit with Jana Travis, The Levy Gallery of the Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
Memphis, Tennessee, November 2008
PRESS AND AWARDS
2010 Women in Glass
Flow Magazine
Winter 2010 Issue
"Flame Artists Create Beloved Beads for Seriously Ill Children"
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee
November 13, 2010
First Place in the Glass Challenge Hobbyist Division
Flow Magazine Flameworking Journal
Spring 2010 Issue
"Natures Rhythm and Hues"
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee
November 28, 2008
EXPERIENCE
Studio Assistantship
Account Executive (2009)
Touchway, LLC
Developed and executed strategies to target key accounts for a start up comany in the interactive advertising industry.
Glass Artist and Instructor (2006 - present)
Ginkgoglass, Flameworking Glass Studio and Teaching Facility, Memphis, Tennessee
Owner
Creating hand flameworked, blown and fused glass for galleries and individuals.
Teaching flameworking classes
Adjunct Instructor (1995 -1996)
The University of Memphis; Memphis, TN
Clinical Dietitian and Chief Clinical Dietitian (Jan 1993 – Dec 1994)
The Regional Medical Center; Memphis, TN
Nutritionist (1992 - 1993)
Beverly Enterprises; Memphis, TN
Clinical Dietitian (June 1990 – March 1992)
St. Joseph's Health Center; Hot Springs, AR
Clinical Affairs Coordinator (1988 - 1990)
Smith and Nephew, Richards; Memphis, TN
Clinical Research Dietitian (1986 – 1988)
University of Tennessee, Memphis; Memphis, TN
The Clinical Research Center and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial
Clinical Dietitian (1984 – 1986)
William F. Bowld Hospital; Memphis, TN
EDUCATION
Midwest Glass Experience, Third Degree Glass, St. Louis, Missouri, 2010
Midwest Glass Experience, Third Degree Glass, St. Louis, Missouri, 2009
Hot Time in the Mountains, A Touch of Glass, Asheville, NC, 2008
Hot Time in the Mountains, A Touch of Glass, Asheville, NC, 2007
Master of Science in Nutrition, University of Memphis; Memphis, TN, 1984
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, University of Memphis; Memphis, TN, 1983
MEMBERSHIPS
Glass Art Society
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