Glass art by Jimi

I’m a self-taught glass artist working under the name Wicked Glass. Over the years, my home and studio have evolved from a Volkswagen bus to an RV and, eventually, a retrofitted school bus. The Volkswagen simply didn’t have enough room for me, my work, and the cats who came along as my coworkers and traveling companions. Melting in studios to the outdoors.

The Kraken has become a metaphor for that nomadic life. A children’s book about an octopus helped me understand the connection. It described an octopus leaving the reef during the day to explore and interact, then returning to a different home each night. Its message about introversion stayed with me: enjoying solitude doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy people. Sometimes you just need space to gather your energy for the next interaction, the next step, or the next move.

That felt familiar. Traveling gives me opportunities to meet people, share ideas, teach, and collaborate, while also giving me room to retreat and recharge. The Kraken became a way to express that rhythm through glass.

My Kraken-themed work takes many forms, from full sculptural pieces to dry pieces and wearable pendants. Sometimes a single tentacle silhouette carries the whole idea, a fragment that still feels connected to the larger creature. Along the way, I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing glass artists, and those experiences have become part of both my work and my journey.

I never set out with a grand plan for a career in glass. I followed something I enjoyed, and it kept opening doors.

If there’s anything I hope my path encourages others to do, it’s to make room for what they love. A hobby can become a livelihood, and a livelihood can support a life you’re excited to live. There’s still plenty of work involved, but getting to create, travel, and share what I’ve learned is what keeps me coming back to the torch.

Most days outside of the torch are full of daily cat walks with my road companion Nala. i dig everything ocean related, deserts, big cities, good coffee, and even a game of chess.

Find me on chess.com :Wickedglassofficial , working on a glass chess set.