​"My distinctive style is created from blown glass, fused glass, and metal. I create larger-scale sculptures, typically for the wall. I enjoy the juxtaposition of using these mediums: the way the strong, industrial and durable nature of metal can work in harmony with the fragile, organic nature of glass.”

Bonnie Hinz lives in the upper Midwest of the USA She creates distinctive sculptures from blown glass, kiln-formed glass, and metal. She combines these materials into exquisitely integrated designs. ​She has created many commissions for residential, commercial and healthcare settings around the US.


Tell us about yourself and your background.
I have always felt a deep need to create, and this has been an integral part of who I am as a person. As a child, I was constantly making things, and came from a family that if you needed something, you made it. My parents encouraged me, and I was not afraid to tackle any creative endeavor. As I grew older, however, I began to neglect my creativity. I felt like I needed a “regular career” and became a legal assistant. I worked in a law firm, but realized that I didn't like sitting at a desk all day, and my need for being creative started to resurface. I then worked as a residential interior designer for several years. However, that still wasn't fulfilling my “itch” for creativity. My interest in glass began with stained glass. But after a while, I yearned for something more dimensional. I then saw an exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art featuring the wonderful glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly. I was amazed and intrigued. I watched the videos at the exhibit, and thought it looked fun and dangerous. I found a local college that was offering glass blowing classes and signed up on a whim. I got hooked. I completed all the glass blowing classes, and then after some soul searching, decided to build my own glass blowing studio. After making vases and bowls for a time, I decided to start creating larger sculpture. I loved the combination of glass and metal and thought that would be the framework upon which to create larger work. A friend taught me how to weld, I joined the local Guild of Metal-smiths, and took blacksmithing classes to learn the basics of metalworking. I also began working in fused glass at that time.

"My designs swirl with layers of arresting hues. An integral part of my work is the sinuous line. I will often sketch out a spontaneously fluid design, and then translate that into metal"

Tell us about your work and style.
My distinctive style is created from blown glass, fused glass, and metal. I create larger-scale sculptures, typically for the wall. I enjoy the juxtaposition of using these mediums: the way the strong, industrial and durable nature of metal can work in harmony with the fragile, organic nature of glass. I enjoy combining the two materials into exquisitely integrated designs. Even though my sculptures are made with metal, they have a sense of lightness. My intuitive use of color and space comes from my years of working as an interior designer. My designs swirl with layers of arresting hues. An integral part of my work is the sinuous line. I will often sketch out a spontaneously fluid design, and then translate that into metal.

"All my sculptures begin with a sketch. Someone once told me, “if you can't draw it, you can't make it.” All the mechanics of the piece are figured out on paper before I begin."

Tell us about your process and what do you feel when you are creating?
All my sculptures begin with a sketch. Someone once told me, “if you can't draw it, you can't make it.”  All the mechanics of
the piece are figured out on paper before I begin. Once I have the full-scale drawing complete, I then begin the metalworking. After the metal is finished, I then make the glass, either by blowing the glass or fusing it in a kiln. I am regularly going back and forth between metalworking, glass blowing, and glass fusing, which keeps things interesting. While creating my art, because I am introverted, I enjoy creating my artwork completely by myself.

What are your sources of inspiration?
Nature is what inspires me most: the line of a gracefully bending blade of grass, the shape of a seed pod, the colors in a flower, the coiling tendrils on a grapevine.

"I love that the possibilities of glass are endless — there is always more to explore."

Why are you attracted to glass as a medium?
I love that the possibilities of glass are endless—there is always more to explore. I am consistently fascinated by its magical transparent nature and the interplay of light, shadow, texture and color.

Tell us about some of your achievements and notable artworks?
I have created many site-specific commissions around the United States, mostly in the healthcare industry, but also in
commercial, hospitality, and residential settings. I am most proud of the work that I have in healthcare settings, as art can be a healing influence. If my artwork can bring even a moment of joy, hope or even distraction to someone who is hurting, then I feel it is successful.

Tell us about some of the themes and concepts that you have explored.
I am continually exploring the expression of nature's beauty - how nature and abstraction can interact with each other and the patterns they create. I love the graceful free-form curves and fluidity of the lines found in the natural world and incorporate these into my work. I have also explored the interpretation of movement and simplicity in the human form.

"Many times when we are installing artwork in a commercial setting, people will come by, stop and stare with their mouths agape, and say “WOW that is amazing!” This is really fun for me to hear! People often assume that a man has fabricated the metal for me. When I tell them that I made the whole thing by myself, they are surprised."
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What are you passionate about?
Outside of art, I am most passionate about finding homes for shelter dogs. I have volunteered at the local Animal Humane Society for many years, helping at their fundraising events, and assisting people in finding the perfect dog for their family, which is immensely satisfying.

Tell us about some of the feedback you typically receive.
Many times when we are installing artwork in a commercial setting, people will come by, stop and stare with their mouths agape, and say “WOW that is amazing!” This is really fun for me to hear! People often assume that a man has fabricated the metal for me. When I tell them that I made the whole thing by myself, they are surprised. People that have commissioned my work often tell me after the installation that it is better than they had envisioned.

"I want to remind people to really pay attention and see the beauty in the ordinary, and as they are observing, to pivot from the tensions of the day and to breathe in nature and be revived."

What are you currently working on?
In between the commissions on which I am currently working, I have been experimenting with a process that involves eco-printing. This involves taking leaves that I collect from my neighborhood, placing them between sheets of paper, and boiling them for several hours. This imprints the dye from the leaf onto the paper, which conveys a painterly effect. I then transfer this image to glass, and create collages from these images, at times also weaving in messages of reflection. The goal of these collages is to inspire people to be present in the moment, to slow down and take a mindful look at the natural world around them. I want to remind people to really pay attention and see the beauty in the ordinary, and as they are observing, to pivot from the tensions of the day and to breathe in nature and be revived.

"I will always be creating larger wall sculptures. I welcome challenges that encourage me to innovate, and am always striving to push the boundaries of what I can accomplish."

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​What can we look forward to in the future?
I will always be creating larger wall sculptures. I welcome challenges that encourage me to innovate, and am always striving to push the boundaries of ideas and what I can accomplish.

​Tell us about your location and its influence on your work.
I am located in Minneapolis, MN, a vibrant art community, which is in the upper Midwest of the USA. My husband and I enjoy walking through the many wooded areas around our home with our dog. My favorite place to be is in our gazebo, which overlooks a lake and woods. This is the place where I can stop, contemplate and imagine new ideas for my artwork.

​"There is so much negativity and division in the world today. I want my artwork to be uplifting, joyful and encouraging to those who view it. I want it to bring unity, have a healing effect on people and inspire optimism."

How do you feel about art and its role in the world today?
Art rises above all the things that divide us and brings us together. It is a universal language that can bring hope and connect us. It can inspire society to cope with their emotions and to identify with one another.

How do you want your art to affect the viewer?
There is so much negativity and division in the world today. I want my artwork to be uplifting, joyful and encouraging to those who view it. I want it to bring unity, have a healing effect on people and inspire optimism.


www.bonniehinz.com