At 62, Susan Butler is an impeccable homemaker, an exquisite hostess, and a savvy businesswoman. However, where she seems to be happiest is in her roles as a new grandmother and sitting at her worktable for hours creating beautiful glass beads while listening to audio books and feeding her love of literature
Susan has been designing notable jewelry for over 26 years, yet, 15 years ago she began to work with hand blown glass and her designs entered a new realm. Her work is found in the local gift shops of the SAN ANTONIO M– USEUM OF ART, THE MCNAY ART M– USEUM, and Gallery Vetro Creative Artglass, as well as, SUSAN BUTLER JEWELRY ON ETSY and her company, CONBRIO BEADS. These are one-of-a-kind creations which usually result in someone asking, Where did you get that necklace?
“I strive to recognize beauty in many ways, and interpret that beauty in wearable glass designs,” she said. “Artists are predominantly influenced by our environments, so, of course, San Antonio has much to do with all of the color I use in my pieces.”
She might be inspired by the Texas wildflowers while walking in EISENHOWER PARK; or the skirts of Folcloric dancers during Fiesta; or the glass sculptures of American artist Dale Chihuly who first brought modern sensibility to glass. He is recognized for his unique creativity with blown glass.
Most recently, Susan was moved by the powerful Broadway performance of the musical HAMILTON, when she visited New York City. This took her to study 18th century clothing and design a necklace she named Revolutionary Lace.
She works with glass from America and Italy; however keeps them separate and does not mix the two. They each have their own special properties. Susan also may be commissioned for personal work for a special occasion or to go with a particular outfit. She is currently designing for a wedding in Alaska. I watched Susan design a flower and was fascinated as she explained each step of the process and the reasons behind them. Her kiln is built to resemble a tool box which is really perfect when you think about it!
Susan Butler is a woman living life to its fullest…saturated in great books, two beautiful granddaughters born within 10 days of each other, and her designs…which perhaps accounts for the big smile she constantly wears.
