About Us

John Barber likes to play with fire. Fortunately for the rest of us, he is not a firebug or an arsonist, but an artist who works in welded steel. John makes lamps, tables, gates, headboards, and chandeliers using stone, glass and wood with all being supported by brass, copper and steel. John is trained as a craftsman and uses advanced electronic welding machines in his work, but his artistic side is sensitive to the characteristics of the materials as he works them. His unique approach allows each piece to “take its own breath” and imparts a feeling not found in mass produced furniture. John also encourages the client to get involved with the design process, many of whom are experiencing designing a custom-made piece for the first time.

Jennifer Barnds began with lampworking, slowly moving toward larger-scale paperweights and glass blowing. By transitioning away from beads toward larger objects, she hopes to bridge the gap between lampworking and glassblowing. Jennifer brings with her the skills of small-scale lampworking, importing new levels of detail and skill to blown glass and paperweights. Jennifer draws her training from many varied classes and teachers from across the country, constantly learning and exchanging skills with other artists in her field. Having spent 20 years in the corporate business world, Barnds has the unique advantage of marketing and business sense.

Sharbani Das Gupta is inspired by her physical environment and New Mexico, where she has spent the last few years and which has profoundly affected her work. She is trained as a functional potter, though she has a Masters in Visual Communications. Both of these factors, as well as growing up in India, influence and inform her art. Sharbani’s art is her vehicle for understanding and making sense of her life. The driving force has gradually moved her away from solely functional to non-functional forms as well.

Audry Herber uses many traditional metalsmithing techniques such as open die formation, chasing and repousse, anticlastic raising, and other fabrication techniques when creating jewelry, hollowware, sculpture and toys. Her current work is exploring digital imaging and filmmaking. She draws directly on film which is then digitized. It is then edited, incorporating images of metal fabricated art objects. The film stock is then cut up and used in jewelry pieces and other objects. The digital files are outputted into one-to-three minute films.

Giovanna Imperia designs and creates art jewelry by using a technique known as kumihimo. “In my work, I strive to provide unique visual and tactile experiences to the wearer by combining braided fiber, beads, mixed media and metal.” After working in the corporate world for years, Imperia now studies, teaches, and practices kumihimo full time.

Jason Kishell’s ceramic work is based on his curiosity of the natural world, infused with subtle emotional gestures and impulsive thoughts. Using visual attributes from wood, bugs, leaves, fruits, and vegetables, he creates imaginary objects that are meant to be entertaining and fun.