Nancy Arthur-McGehee Works

Nancy’s glass vessels demonstrate a range of engraving techniques including diamond tip engraving (both stationary and rotary tool) and sandblasting (both surface etch and deep layered “stage blasting”).

Especially interesting are her cameo pieces, which are engraved multi-layered glass.  Cameo glass has been considered the finest of glass art forms since the time of the Roman Empire.  Like much Roman art, Nancy’s engravings typically feature natural subjects, especially birds and marine life.  Creating these pieces requires not only great skill in both glassblowing and engraving but also a close collaboration between the blower and the engraver.

The scientific illustrations come from Nancy’s work at Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, from the published book, “The Early Stages of Fishes in the California Current Region.”  The book encapsulates almost 60 years of research on the California Current ecosystem by the CalCOFI, the longest running ecological study in the world.  Upon its publication in 1996, the book was regarded as an instant classic in the scientific community.

Nancy is a classically trained artist for whom both drawing and natural history are passions.  Although it may seem surprising to see engraved glass and scientific illustrations displayed together, the two share much in common.  Both require an emphasis on line and shape.  Both are representational.  And both require long hours of solitude yet benefit from close collaboration.  Nancy is very pleased to present work that highlights not only her individual efforts as an artist, but also the efforts of other brilliant artists and scientists with whom she has the honor of working.

Nancy has honed her creative skills with Jiri Harcuba at the Pilchuck Glass School and Frantisek Janak at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, and reverse glass painting techniques from Judy Jensen at the Penland School of Craft.  She is a member of the Guild of Glass Engravers, the Glass Art Society, and the Gem Artist of North America.