Meet Julie Glassman of Grand Junction, Colorado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Glassman.

Hi Julie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My journey started 36 years ago. I was 14 years old. I took a silversmithing class at a woman’s basement jewelry studio in Westchester NY where I am from. One ignition of a blow torch and I decided I wanted to be a jeweler. I continued metalsmithing in high school and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan with a degree in Jewelry Design and Gemology.

During my last year at FIT, I decided I wanted to be able to tell stories in my jewelry. I took one workshop in the ancient art of cloisonné enamel. Everything I learned about enamel, I tossed aside. Through experimentation, I developed my own technique which allowed me to create my signature style. Cloisonné allows me to paint miniature paintings with glass enamel. More detailed pieces entail up to 35 applications of enamel and kiln firings between each layer. I frame these tiny paintings in silver, gold, gemstones, and diamonds. They are art to wear.

I sold my pieces in galleries and quickly realized I was the best person to represent my work. 18 years ago I made the decision to market and sell my pieces at fine art festivals all over the southwest. I’ve been fortunate to be honored with awards at many of these shows. To this day, I participate in eight to ten high-quality juried shows a year. I love the one-on-one connection I have with my collectors. Some of these relationships are of 20 years or more.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has not been a smooth one. My biggest supporter, my mother went through a tumultuous battle of lung cancer. I lost her when I was 30. She was and always will be my biggest fan.

I went through a dark time of feeling deeply depressed after she passed. I felt lost but always had my enamel work to ground me. I guess you could say my mother and her battle with cancer are my muse. Many of my pieces consist of spirit messages or messengers, talismans, and symbolism. I see or feel things, paint them, and then frame them in precious materials to wear instead of hanging them on a wall.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been a professional jeweler for 34 years. For the last 18 years, I’ve participated in over 150 fine art festivals. I am specifically known for telling stories in cloisonné enamel jewelry. My work is meaningful, symbolic, whimsical, and colorful. I definitely have a signature style that is my own.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love all the culture and art Denver has to offer. I also adore how friendly people are. I can’t think of anything I dislike! Denver is a fantastic city.

Contact Info:

• Email: julieglassmanjewelry@gmail.com
• Website: https://julieglassman.com/
• Instagram: julieglassmanjewelry

Image Credits
Larry Berman
Ellen Nelson (main photo)