There is no debate that art is a way to express oneself and helps develop cognitive skills. Art has been around for many millennia, and it has an importance to society, and it should be fully integrated into lives, communities, and education in general. Art acts as a barometer that measures different levels of cultural sophistication. Throughout human history, glass cultural artifacts left behind have been a source of artistic accomplishments. The majority of these artifacts have left behind never-fading marks on the planet. With art being so crucial for society, it becomes equally important to have artists from different countries lead an art reception. This saturnalia of talent helps in cultural awareness in more ways than one.
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When it comes to drawing the attention of artists from different parts of the world, James Stone makes for a good example. His work inspired the Italian glass artist Roberto Beltrani to hold a reception at his studio in Escondido, California. James is a glass and mixed-media artist, and his work mainly focuses on hot glass and sculpted metal. The core focus of his artwork is to communicate the fragile nature of the environment and the impact of everyday human chores on marine life. His expertise and knowledge of art are not only limited to him. Through his local teaching program, James shares his passion for art and glass knowledge with students of all ages.
Along with his wife, Carol Rogers, Stone operates a hot glass studio and gallery open to the public in historic downtown Escondido. The decision to move the studio to Escondido came after a fire broke out two doors away from his previous studio. Upon relocating to Escondido, Stone discovered that Escondido had a vibrant and active arts community, which helped the studio become fully immersed.
In august 2018, the Italian glass blowing artist Roberto Beltrami held an opening at Stone and Glass, which included a demonstration and reception. Beltrami represented and sold a small sampling of his art during his first-time visit to Southern California. It was one of the few opportunities of glass blowing art from Murano, Italy, that the community had allowed outsiders to see how they produced their artifacts.
Although some of Beltrami’s artifacts were also available for purchase online, at their gallery, Stone and Glass Studio represented a limited number of his signature pieces made both in Murano, Italy, and at Stone and Glass.
Since starting at Palomar College in San Marcos more than 30 years ago, Stone has been creating glass blowing art himself. His studio and Gallery have long been a center of gifts, carrying unique ornaments, drinking glasses, vases, jewelry, sculptures, fountains, and even bar stools. Stone also teaches glassblowing to people of all ages, from children to adults. His Introduction to Glassblowing program has been offered to local and regional organizations for over twenty years. Classes are designed to inspire cooperation and leadership in anything from Girl Scouts to major private and corporate events.
Stone and Glass Studio has been selected to create and build a collaborative public art project for the new 8TH college at UCSD. The Studio designed 10 Stone and Glass style outdoor art benches based on student and faculty ideas.
He has long been a vocal champion for marine life conservation, particularly endangered species. Stone sculpted the sixteen-foot-tall “Neath the Sea” for the late Esther Burnham. The artwork commemorated the ocean and its abundant life by integrating marine life. As an artist, Stone works on understanding the journey and the relationships he has established. Appreciating and understanding the creative process of bringing an idea into existence is key.
Stone has also picked up the pen and has written his biography titled “The Glass Thread, One Artist’s Lonely Journey.” It chronicles his 30 years in the television industry and how he began his skill by producing glass medallions, belt buckles, and boxes while in college. His early success earned him enough money to buy a house. Nothing in his background, however, compares to his most recent events.
In 2018, Handmade Business Magazine honored him as Entrepreneur of the Year. His glass artwork has been shown in various California galleries and museums, including Zimmer Children’s Museums, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, the Gothhelf Art Gallery, and the California Center of Arts. His passion for art is evident in his work which has caught many eyes over the years.