Art Glass by April Wagner & Jason Ruff

Epiphany's definition of an exceptional piece entails tight form and line tension, interior and exterior curves pulling against each other for visual dominance, and vibrant colors that play off each other yet remain complimentary. Whether vase, platter, or free form, each piece is created with a single-minded tenacity that will allow no wobble or break in line quality. There are no second thoughts or lapses in attention that produce poor craftsmanship. Technical skill is of equal importance to artistic sensibilities and both are utilized during creation. There is no unnecessary ornamentation, off center form, or uneven wall or lip thickness that belays poor mastery of the craft.

Pieces remain true to form, intention, and material by demonstrating an understanding of material, technique, and artistic aspirations. An unwavering, and humbling belief that glass is an astonishing material of unlimited potential remains at the very center of why April and Jason choose to create with it. Entire contents © Copyright NJM Gallery.

In 1997 epiphany began the process of building their state of the art glass studio in. In early 2000, this 3,000 square foot studio became fully operational. The goal was to create a "universal" studio that would permit professional glass artists to work at the epiphany studio and feel as though they are in a familiar environment. To make this "universal" studio possible, epiphany hired the same company that built studios for Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, Steuben, and the Corning Museum.

Most recently, glass artist Stephen Powell demonstrated at the studio, successfully creating pieces over 6' in height and 3' in width. Renowned Italian glass artist Lucio Bubacco works at the studio during his visits to the United States. He stated that "I enjoy creating here for the energy and treatment is something I have never experienced, it also amazes me that April and Jason can create the quality works that they do with only themselves creating these works. In Italy there are six to eight people working on the sizes of pieces they create themselves. They are amazing."

The truly outstanding and unique feature of the epiphany studio is its very large, and sophisticated glory hole. A glory hole is crucial in the reheating and sculpting of each glasswork. The epiphany glory hole is 52" x 41". The jumbo size of the glory hole enables the artists to create the large-scale pieces their customers are demanding. Other attributes of this studio are the revolutionary round 800-pound tank furnace that creates a higher quality of glass, a metal fabrication shop, a cold working facility with etching capabilities, and a digital photo studio. There is also a 1,000-square foot gallery/apartment with kitchen, laundry and bath facilities attached to the studio.

One of the driving forces in building this studio was to give the artists the ability to evolve and create large-scale, one of a kind works. The new epiphany studio enables the artists to be limitless in their creativity, giving galleries and collectors the finest quality pieces available on the market. Entire contents © Copyright NJM Gallery.