Artist Statement

In 1979 I visited Chartres Cathedral near Paris and my life was forever changed. Fascinated by the mystic symbolism and inspired by the stained glass I felt like I was sitting inside a jewel box. I was struck by the power that light has to transform space, both in the inner and outer realms. This moment marks the beginning of a life long passion.

As a material glass is very demanding. It requires technique, tools and patience. Mostly it desires that spark of attraction that keeps you coming back. It’s been a long and very interesting dance and I’m still loving it!

I’m inspired by many things, including nature, architecture, myth and symbols, and of course traveling ! A trip to Hawaii in 1998 birthed tabletop fountains ~ lush tropical foliage, exotic birds, the soothing sounds of moving water. This work is nurtured by my relationship with the natural world...I’m filled with wonder by the beauty and awesome complexity of our planet. Being a creature of the senses I am driven to interpret this beauty in my work.

While making the small fountains I kept feeling them big, as pieces of furniture, yet didn’t know how to work with such a fragile material on such a large scale and have them be functional. I realized I could create them as mosaic, luscious iridescent glass inlaid on a wood substructure. In 2001 I introduced furniture and table~fountains. This year I’ve immersed myself in new designs and inspirations. I love working with glass, light and the sensory delight of falling water. I enjoy the challenge and creative opportunities that site specific commissions bring. Iaspire to make beautiful things that are a joy to experience.

My studio is in an old mill building shared by artists working in many media. The thread we weave is our commitment to our lives and careers as artists. I find great pleasure in the making of this work and knowing it is enjoyed in the homes and lives of many people around the world. I am forever grateful for my birthname. Eileen from the Greek root means LIGHT and Jager from the German root means HUNTER

EDUCATION
MFA Alfred University, Alfred NY. Glass and Sculpture, 1988-89
Tyler School of Art, Elkins Park PA. Special Student, 1986-87
West Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education, Swansea Wales UK. Diploma in Architectural Glass, 1982-84
BA Bucknell University, Lewisburg PA. Art History and Psychology, 1976-80
Institute for American Universities. Aix-en-Provence France, 1979
Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood WA. 1994, 1990, 1988, 1986, 1984
Dreams and Belief, Studio Artist since 1989

HONORS
Wheaton Village Glass Fellowship 1991
New York Experimental Glass Fellowship 1990
Ploeg-Zwart Travel Grant 1990
Pilchuck Glass School Scholarship, 1990, 1988, 1984
Pilchuck Glass School Assistant, 1988, 1986

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Studio Artist, One Cottage St. Easthampton MA. 1991-present
Designer, Fellerman Glass, Kent, CT. 1989-1990
Glasmalerie Hein Derix, Kevelaer, Germany. 1984-85
Photographer, Bucknell University, Lewisburg PA. 1980-82

PUBLICATIONS
The Artful Home, 2003
American Style, Spring 2003
Maryland Home, October 2002
Furniture Style, “Open & Shut”, August 2002
Daily Hampshire Gazette, November 2002
Daily Hampshire Gazette, May 2002
Glass Art from Urban Glass, 2000
American Style, Fall 2000
Corning New Glass Review, 1987

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Philabaum Studios, Tucson AZ. “Truth In Glass” 1994
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Phila. PA. 1993
Galerie Glas 1, Stockholm Sweden, 1992
Furniture Style, “Open & Shut”, August 2002
Braggioti Gallery, Rotterdam Holland. 1992

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Craft Council
Furniture Society
Glass Art Society