"I hired movers just for my glass"

CC     Can you walk us through your journey as a creative? How did you get started, and what led you to where you are today?

NM     I’m a self-taught artist with a unique journey. After dropping out of high school for being bullied and trying out several trades that didn’t quite fit, I discovered stained glass at 19. I picked up a pattern book and some glass from a shop in Northampton, MA, and created my first project—a stained glass lamp. This sparked a passion that led me to open an antique shop in Westfield, MA, where I sold both antiques and my stained glass creations.

In my late 20s, I lost everything and had to leave stained glass behind. Though I knew I’d eventually return to it, I shifted focus and moved to Boston, where I worked as a Project Manager in advertising. While stained glass became more of a hobby, I continued taking classes with other artists to refine my craft.

After relocating to San Francisco, I continued my advertising career and discovered a large, vibrant glass community, which further deepened my knowledge of stained glass. After 16 years in advertising, I decided to take a leap and leave that career behind to return to Massachusetts and follow my true passion—stained glass. Starting over wasn’t easy, but I was determined to get back to what I loved and rebuild my stained glass business. I bought a house on Cape Cod and converted my garage into a stained glass studio, where I now teach. In 2018, I launched my business, Neil Neil Orange Peel Designs, and taught my first class at a local art center. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of teaching over 500 students the art of stained glass, and teaching has become one of my greatest joys.

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CC     What are you working on these days?

NM     These days, I’m keeping busy with teaching, typically running six classes a week, many of which are sold out. The demand for my classes has far exceeded my expectations, and I’m already booking into September! Outside of teaching, I’m working on several custom projects for homes and businesses across Cape Cod. I also run a popular Etsy shop, where I sell unique, one-of-a-kind stained glass pieces and my signature glass agave plants. Additionally, I love creating artwork for galleries and shows.

I am preparing to teach my first all-teenager class, with students from high schools across Cape Cod. After the class series, the students and I will have our work displayed at an art exhibit this June at The Guyer Barn in Hyannis. I’m thrilled to work with these high school students and introduce them to stained glass—an art form that has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me when I was young.

CC     What does a typical day look like for you?

NM     A typical day for me starts around 6 a.m. as I prepare for two classes. I usually teach two classes a day, three times a week. My mornings begin by getting the classroom ready for 6-8 students per session. While I set up, I always play music to help energize myself, and I keep the music going during class too. I remember how my high school art teacher always played music in class, and I loved that atmosphere. It had a big influence on me, so when I opened my studio, I named it after her—Karla Selden. I was fortunate enough to have Karla visit my studio, and it was a special moment to honor her by naming my space after her. She shaped my teaching style and showed me how important it is to make art enjoyable.

My classes bring together beginners and more experienced students, which I love. I enjoy having mixed skill levels in the same group, so the beginners can see the progress others have made. Some of my first students are still with me, and they’ve gone on to create art that’s been displayed in galleries across Cape Cod. Between classes, I work on custom projects or fill Etsy orders, so my days are often packed with 8-10 hours of teaching and creating. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a dream come true. I’m incredibly thankful that I’m able to make a living doing what I love.

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I might have a slight obsession with glass—it’s all over my house, in the basement, attic, and even in dresser drawers.

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CC     What tools can’t you live without?

NM     I absolutely love cutting glass, so I couldn’t imagine working without my trusty glass cutter and my lucky pliers. I’ve had them for years, and they’ve been with me through so many ups and downs in life. I also couldn’t live without my glass collection. I have a vast assortment of glass that I share with my students in class. My studio is lined with walls of glass, organized by color and size, and I have boxes neatly sorted by color and shape. All of this glass is available for my students to use in their own projects.

I might have a slight obsession with glass—it’s all over my house, in the basement, attic, and even in dresser drawers. When I moved from California to Cape Cod, I hired movers to drive my glass collection across the country. It was a nerve-wracking experience, wondering if my glass would arrive safely. Thankfully, everything made it here in one piece—nothing broke!

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My students are a constant source of inspiration. Over the years, I’ve met so many incredible people, each with their own unique story or reason for taking my classes

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CC     What or who inspires you?

NM     My students are a constant source of inspiration. Over the years, I’ve met so many incredible people, each with their own unique story or reason for taking my classes. Some are seeking a distraction after losing loved ones, others are looking to make new friends through art, and many are retired and searching for a fulfilling hobby. I also have students who want to learn the craft to start their own businesses or Etsy shops.

In addition to group classes, I teach private sessions, where I’ve had families come together to create something special. These moments offer a great opportunity for bonding, where everyone is learning and creating at the same time, with something tangible in their hands. It’s a break from the constant pull of devices, and it’s beautiful to see families come together in that way.

I’m constantly inspired by their journeys, experiences, and stories. Teaching has made me a better listener, more empathetic, and it’s even taught me how to remember hundreds of names—definitely not an easy task!

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CC    What would you like to learn more about in the future?

NM    Having worked with stained glass on and off for over 30 years, I’m still constantly learning and uncovering new aspects of this art form. I’m dedicated to expanding my knowledge, always searching for innovative ways to use the medium to create one-of-a-kind pieces and share that knowledge with my students. I especially enjoy challenging myself to design unique glass sculptures and exploring new methods to express my creativity.

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CC    What do you find most challenging as a creative?

NM    One of the most challenging aspects of being a creative is pricing your work for sale. As artists, we often undervalue our time, effort, and the skill that goes into creating our art. It’s important not to shortchange ourselves when it comes to pricing and recognizing the true worth of our creations.

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CC    What do you think creatives on Cape Cod could improve on?

NM    Cape Cod is home to a vibrant art community, brimming with a diverse range of artists and workshops. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many talented individuals and collaborating on some amazing artwork with fellow artists. I’d love to see even more creative partnerships, where different mediums are fused together to produce truly unique and innovative art. The potential for blending artistic forms is limitless!

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CC    What do you do when you're not working?

NM    When I'm not working, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, and indulging in board and card games. I’m also a fan of concerts, gardening, and, of course, music.

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This interview was done over email.
Photography: Christine Johannessen

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