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As a young and sensitive child, Douglas was raised in Carmen, Oklahoma. He spent his formative years sheltered from the normal development of human interaction by the barrier of a mysterious inability to communicate through speech. This barrier forced him into an internal world of exploration, where he discovered and nurtured a keen spiritual realm of existence. At the age of sixteen his speech problem now overcome, he began a unique adventure in life, becoming an architect, and discovering a special talent to communicate through the teaching of Watermedia painting. He has developed a powerful gift to open new worlds for others by teaching a system of creative thought. Over the past 25 years Douglas has presented fellow artist and first time artist with the opportunity for learning and growth through his Watermedia Workshops taught through Louisiana Tech University’s continuing education department, Workshop Encounters taught at various locations throughout the U.S. and Canada and Journey Encounter destination workshops taught around the world. Following the advice he most often gives his students, Douglas has continued to grow in his art, to try new mediums, and push the boundaries of his comforts zone. In the spring of 2007 Douglas launched his first collection of fused glass jewelry. The seed for working with glass was planted almost twenty years ago by friend and fellow artist Jack Lewis. Jack opened his studio to Douglas’ watercolor students, where they were taught to work with glass as a medium. While his students were learning, so was Douglas. During their time at Lewis’ studio, Douglas began designing belt buckles for himself to compliment his trademark Balinese shirts. The glass spark did not become a full flame, however, until Douglas discovered dischrioc glass fragments during a visit with Rollin Karg in Kapaa, HI. Upon leaving, Karg gave a gift of some exquisite pieces that Douglas then took to Bali and had set in silver to create rings. The combination of the glass and silver was stunning; Douglas began a new journey. |
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