“dreams of time spent in the forest & beside a river”
the vision 💖
The common glass thread through all my work is the contemplation of the human experience in our natural world
Humans have always had a deeply emotional relationship with the world around us. We interpret metaphors in these scenes
We struggle at times to relate, and at other times feel a profound interconnectedness with the universe. It brings me great joy to see others connect with nature and life through art
the discovery 💎
At the time of graduating from an English Literature degree in 1992, I took a stained glass course in Ottawa and was completely entranced by this magic substance! It was the mode of communication that felt most natural to me. I often struggle with the words but find pure feelings in my finished glass.
I spent the following years experimenting with original designs in stained glass, and then around 2010 I began experimenting with kiln-worked glass
I have studied at many renowned schools and learned from some of the most respected glass artists. Some of the notable learning institutions are listed below.
From 2021-present I have faced a chronic physical challenge that has changed how I practice my art. In 2025 I lost vision in my right eye. I have chosen to take this as an opportunity to see things differently and develop new techniques with a focus on multiple mediums while keeping a touch of glass. I hope you will join me on this new journey to discover a new collection with focus on our relationship with the natural world✨
Pilchuck Glass School ~ Washington
Corning Museum of Glass Studio ~ New York
Pittsburgh Glass Center
Urban Glass ~ New York
Bullseye Glass Studio ~ Portland
Designed & manufactured glass for ☀️ Cirque du Soleil ☀️ when I began to pursue my glass
creativity as a full-time occupation in 2013.
the inspiration 🍂
Fleeting moments in my daily activities or on one of my excursions in the forest and on the water make my heart jump. It can be the view in front of me or an image in my mind. It is the spark that ignites my vision for a new glass artwork
There is often a combination of textures with highlights and shadows that attracts me to a certain composition. It is almost always something mysterious or magical about the scene that holds my attention
I am inspired by what I do not yet understand. This is true of our natural world as it is for my art practice - I believe we are at the very beginning of understanding the abilities and experiences of other living things
the process 🪶
Most pieces begin with fine glass powder that changes under heat in the kiln
The layering and shading of various powders is repeated several times with multiple trips into the kiln - fine tools are used to etch into the powder and to shape the individual forms
In some cases, a torch is used to shape rods of glass into the anticipated forms. After torching, etching, and shaping, the glass goes back into the kiln for annealing
The process of creating the various elements that go into a piece takes weeks and often months. I am overjoyed someone views my heartfelt creation and has a deep connection
2026 brings a new body of work that adapts to new physical and environmental challenges. I am living in the bush in Lanark County and breathing in all its wonders as inspiration for this next step. In my effort to follow an environmentally friendly practice, I will be using small amounts of recycled studio glass with new mediums. I am so excited to share my discoveries with you here!
the recognition
In 2021 Jennifer was awarded The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair’s prestigious Best in 3D award.
The Glass Art Association of Canada awarded Jennifer a full 2023 scholarship to the prestigious and renowned Pilchuck Glass School
These magical works are appreciated by many in public and private displays
Please get in touch if you would like to acquire glass artwork. Often there are works in progress and recent works that are not yet shown on the website.
“Jennifer Anne Kelly’s glass kaleidoscopes and terrariums are playful and contemplative 🐌
Functioning as story boxes they capture and reflect our relationship to ornamentation and the natural world”
Maria Hapfield, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair Judge on collection by Jennifer for Best in 3D Works 🍄
the exhibits
A large public art installation titled “Flock”, displaying birds made of glass and metal inside the belltower at St Charles Market, Ottawa
Ottawa Public Art awarded funding to create the Ottawa Miniature Gallery, which ongoingly has exhibitions of a range of tiny artworks for the public
📷 photo credits
Sara Prisma ~ top portrait
Chris Goodyear ~ images in circles
Alan Mirabelli ~ set of four images
Joy in Motion - product images