Bio

Kathleen Elliot was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1958. She moved with her family to California in 1960 and grew up in Silicon Valley, where she still lives and works. Fascinated by craft from early childhood, she taught herself various techniques, and later undertook studies in philosophy, linguistics, and business strategy. She spent time in a commune before working as a hairstylist, administrator, corporate manager, educator, and writer. She has pursued her career as an artist since 2001.

Known for sculptures of botanical forms made from flameworked glass, Elliot has recently expanded her practice into mixed-media and collage works that address the developed world’s problematic relationship with food and the industries that surround it. She began working with glass in 1991 and has employed the material ever since, most often using the flameworking method. She attended Pilchuck Glass School, founded by Dale Chihuly, in 2001, 2002, and 2003, studying with leading glass artists Laura Donefer, Shane Fero, and Robert Mickelsen, returning in 2013 as an instructor.

In 2003, Elliot began making a series of glass sculptures titled “Natural Botanicals” based on plant forms such as branches and leaves. In 2007, she began also producing “Imaginary Botanicals,” focusing on invented and hybrid species. These and other series including “Liberty” and “Offerings” are informed by her inquiries into reality and ethics, which she began in the context of her interest in alternative spiritual disciplines. Elliot participated in shamanic ceremonies and practices while studying Helen Schucman’s A Course in Miracles and has received instruction from spiritual leaders including Carlos Castaneda.

Elliot has exhibited in museums and galleries across the United States including solo presentations at venues including the Pensacola Museum of Art, Florida; Tenri Cultural Institute, New York; Armory Art Center, West Palm Beach; Waterworks Visual Arts Center, Salisbury, North Carolina; Museum of the Southwest, Midland, Texas; and Neusole Glassworks, Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work is represented in several prominent collections including that of the Oakland Museum of California; Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, Washington; Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, Massachusetts; and Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne, IN. It has also been covered in publications including American Style, World Art Glass Quarterly, Glass Line, dArt International, and Sculpture.