Voices Behind the Glass IX

An Inside Look at the Sphere of Light from One of Its Visionary Creators

Welcome back to our Artist Interview Series, where each month we spotlight one of the talented artists bringing the Sphere of Light to life. This month, we’re featuring Pollyanna Tullis who plays an important role in shaping the SOL. As an artist and shop manager, she brings creativity and consistency to every part of the process.

About the Artist

Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started in stained glass? I’ve always loved art, but not in the traditional sense. I’m not very good at two-dimensional art like drawing or painting, but I love creating and making things with my hands. A friend invited me to tour Holdman Studios one day, and I had no idea a place like this even existed. By the end of the tour, I found out they were hiring, so on a whim I sent in an application and ended up getting trained on the spot. It’s been super cool ever since.

What inspires your artistic style and approach to working with glass? The part of the process I’m usually involved in doesn’t always feel very creative on its own, but what inspires me is seeing how everyone’s artistic vision comes together. We have so many artists working on the same piece at the same time, and it becomes something even more amazing because of everyone’s individual insights, perspectives, and life stories. All of that builds and builds until it culminates in one beautiful masterpiece.

Do you have a favorite technique or process in your work? In the past, building was my favorite part of the process. I love leading windows, leading is definitely my favorite. I’m not as big of a fan of copper foiling, but I really enjoy how precise and meticulous leading can be. More recently, though, I’ve been researching fused glass and kiln work, and I’ve been fascinated by how broad that whole world is. There are so many techniques I never even considered before, and so many amazing possibilities I think we could tap into.

Can you tell us about the first fused piece that was created for the SOL? The fused piece I created for the Sphere of Light is the butterfly in the first panel above ground level. It started with Tom saying he wanted more fused elements incorporated into the windows, since I had already been looking into that area a bit. I was tasked with putting it all together.

At first, it didn’t go very well. I was experimenting with powders, and it just wasn’t turning out how I imagined. After getting feedback from others, I switched gears and took it in a different direction, which eventually became what it is now. I’m really grateful for the advice I received because it helped point me in the right direction. The process took a few weeks and involved multiple firings. That included designing the piece, cutting the glass, and firing it in different layers until everything came together.

How does one create a fused glass piece? Glass is really interesting because it’s made in different ways. There’s something called the coefficient of expansion, which determines whether different types of glass are compatible with each other. If they have the same coefficient, they can be fired in the kiln and fuse together without issues. If they’re not compatible, stress builds up in the glass and it can break.

So we have to figure out which glass and colors can be used together. We place everything in the kiln, and honestly, it can be kind of scary because you don’t really know how it’s going to turn out until you take it out. But that’s also what makes it exciting.

About the Sphere of Light

What does it mean to you to be part of the Sphere of Light project? The Sphere of Light is such an amazing collaborative piece to be part of. It’s incredible to see how everything fits together. There are so many different elements that are meant to be cohesive and unified, and at first it can feel daunting trying to understand how it will all work together. But somehow, it just does. That’s because of the involvement of every person working on it. Each person brings their own skills, passions, and stories, and all of that is woven into the windows. Beyond being a piece that speaks to humanity, it also tells our story, and I think that’s really special.

What challenges have you faced while creating your work for this project? Every project has its challenges. Sometimes they’re communication related, where we’re trying to meet in the middle and let the glass really speak. Other times they’re technique based, figuring out how to visually tell the story through color choices or specific elements.

I don’t really see these as problems, more like small hurdles we work through. They make us better artists in the long run, and it’s pretty amazing to see how everything eventually comes together.

Personal Connection & Impact

What emotions or messages do you hope people will take away from the Sphere of Light? I hope people are able to see themselves in the Sphere of Light. That feels like a big part of it, finding a way for the windows to speak to each individual person. I hope they find something of themselves reflected there, that it inspires them to tell their own story, or simply helps them feel at peace. I think art has the power to unite people. It can help us feel like we’re one people.

If you could describe the Sphere of Light in three words, what would they be? Nerve-racking, unique, and beautiful.

Join us next month for another full Artist Interview Series!

Best,

• Roots of Humanity