About The Artist

By using modern materials with traditional tools and rooting in the Italian process, a unique style of glassblowing has been emerging for several decades. This style differs in that “hard” glass tubes and rods are heated by a torch rather than drawing molten “soft” glass from a crucible. This harder glass (called borosilicate) possesses fascinating and individual characteristics, most notably its ability to be heated and cooled rather quickly with minimal stress. Still in its relative infancy and led by a few key artists around the globe, this style of blown glass is called “flameworking,” and is a variation of “lampworking.” Some key ancient techniques have been transferred from the furnace to the torch, and new ones are continually being developed. Working glass at a torch allows for great detail.

I definitely relate to the emphasis that the old Venetian Glass Houses placed on mastering the necessary processes. However, I also greatly appreciate being part of the American Studio Glass Movement and having full creative license to explore ideas, and not be relegated to production tasks. My compositions come from both right and left brain. The vessels are a concerted effort to pay homage to the masters and show respect to the medium. The mixed media works subconsciously narrate, and the photography is escapist in nature, and a lot of fun. Expression continues to be challenging and enlightening. I often work in distinct modes, mainly dictated by faith and family. Capturing the essence of these creative modes is one of my quests, and I’m grateful simply for the opportunity.

1998 - Dene studied scientific glassblowing & bead making under Professor Jay Bardole of Vincennes University, in Indiana.
2001 - Dene was awarded a work/study scholarship at Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina, and studied narrative flameworking under Ellie Burke.
2003 - He was awarded best demonstrator at the Audubon Creative Arts Fest in Henderson, Kentucky.
2004 - Dene was one of only nine students selected globally to study the art of Venetian Flameworking at the Corning School of Glass in Corning, New York. His teacher, considered to be the finest technical flameworker in the world, was Cesaré Toffolo.
2005 - Again awarded best demonstrator at the Audubon Creative Arts Fest in Henderson, Kentucky.
2006 - Dene was awarded an Individual Project Grant by the Indiana Arts Commission to create a series of vessels using some traditional Venetian methods. He also received an Honorable Mention from the juror at the “Working Together” exhibition, and third place in the 3-D category at the “Art in the City”, both sponsored by the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana.
2007 - In April he received 1st place in the 3-D category at the “Art in the City” exhibition. Additionally, he received a 1st place award for his contribution to the “Working Together” exhibition. Dene was commissioned to design and create the Mayor’s Awards given at the 2007 Arts Educator Awards Banquet. In December, he had a piece accepted into the 40th Annual Mid-States Craft Exhibition at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, & Science. Dene also participated in the Arts Council group exhibition at Evansville Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Doni, were in a dual artist show at the Oaklyn Library
2008 - Opened Glowing Sands Glass Art gallery in the newly formed Haynie’s Corner Arts District in Evansville, Indiana.

Artist Dene Stephens in an early phase of creating a piece