A Fused Glass Journey: Bonnie Aufmuth Quintanilla

It all started with a single class. I walked in with curiosity and left with a newfound passion that changed how I see and impact the world. Fused glass art quickly became more than just a hobby—it became a way to explore the endless possibilities of creativity, to use my art to voice my values, and to connect with others.

After my initial class, I invited my friend to join me in the next session. Together, we are a small yet mighty duo, sharing ideas and inspiring each other in our artistic endeavors known as Blazing Star Arts. Fused glass requires meticulous attention to detail, and while we spend hours honing our skills, we also cherish the time spent collaborating and sharing our unique creations. We love designing custom pieces based on our customers' ideas, transforming their ideas into reality using glass. Each custom project deepens our friendship and results in pieces that offer a unique blend of our styles and reflect our customers' visions.

Creativity & Inspiration

One of my favorite aspects of fused glass art is the freedom to embrace both reality and whimsy. I love creating playful, lighthearted designs that make people smile. My love of pop and modern art leads me to infuse my pieces with energy and vibrancy. There’s something magical about combining the elegance of glass with the fun and unexpected—it’s a combination that never fails to spark joy.

One of my greatest muses is nature. The intricate patterns of leaves, the vibrant hues of a sunset, and the fluidity of water all inspire my designs. I strive to capture the beauty of the natural world in my work, creating pieces that evoke joy and a sense of wonder while celebrating and creating awareness about the importance of protecting our environment. I find inspiration in many places - from other artists and art forms, current events, remarkable women, and everyday experiences. I spend hours photographing, sketching, and experimenting with different techniques, textures, and forms. Whether blending unexpected colors or creating unconventional shapes, I always look for ways to challenge myself and to redefine my art. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of what glass can do and designing pieces that reflect this.

Each piece I create tells a story, whether a reflection of the world around me or a response to something deeply personal. In fused glass art, I see beauty in the smallest details and find meaning in the creative process.

Using My Artistic Voice

One of my proudest moments was being invited to create a special show that reflects life in our nearby mountains and oceans, to raise funds for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This opportunity merged my creativity with my values, as an environmentalist.

The artwork I created for this project helped raise awareness and funds for the park, its conservation efforts, and the programs it provides the community. I am grateful that it became an annual event. This work inspired me to build connections with and support other nonprofits that are dedicated to protecting the environment including the California Nature Art Museum and Ventura Land Trust.

Connecting with Others

Meeting customers, sharing stories, and hearing their feedback is an extraordinary experience. Our customers' unwavering support not only keeps my passion alive but also inspires new ideas and collections. It is exciting to see photos of my work in their homes, hear about the people who were delighted with gifts of our art, or meet someone in the community who knows our work.

I discovered these new connections went beyond my customers to a vibrant, global community of fused glass artists. Meeting artists I admire, sharing experiences, and learning from and with them has been unforgettable. Not only do these opportunities expand and improve my work, but they have led to lifelong friendships.

Fused glass art has taken me on a journey of exploration, growth, and connection—one I am excited to embrace and share both with my glass partner and each of you.

Bonnie Quintanilla