Through my creative process, I explore the relationship between randomness and order. As we make decisions and act, we choose to intervene and impact the unfolding random order of the universe. Those are creative decisions I attempt to make with no intention of the outcome. I truly attempt to become a "mouthpiece" for the universe, making small, yes/no decisions that result in work that represents my personal relationship with the unfolding flow of nature. Glass in all different forms has a distinct character, temperament and personality that requires technical discipline and process orientation, but still allows endless spontaneity. I have worked with glass for over 25 years and feel most fortunate to have stumbled across a material that provides such an endless variety of applications that so perfectly suit my creative process.

Short Bio

Jim Downey received a BFA in Fine Art, and studied glassblowing at the University of Illinois from 1998-2002. In 2002 he opened Prairie Fire Glass Studio, which continues to be a successful addition to the art community of Central Illinois, giving workshops, classes and demonstrations, participating in regional art festivals and operating a gallery displaying the work of local artists, as well as his own.