Hi! Welcome to my little spot on the web. I know when I am looking at an artists work, I like to find out a little bit about them. For me, art is so personal that some glimpse into the maker’s world should to be part of the presentation. I believe some bit of soul is wrought into a handmade thing. With that said, a little about me!     I am Joanne Soroka. For as long as I can remember, I have been attracted to stuff that is colorful and sparkly. And, for all that time I have looked for ways to glue it on to something! My mom started me on that road, we always had the best wardrobes, whether for a ballet recital, or costume required affair, she would whip up some wonderful sequined or felted satiny number. I was some flower pot when I was a little kid!!! Thanks mom!     There comes a point when in our young lives, something jumps out and says, this is part of who you are. Here is something that really matters. I have a vivid memory of one of the first times that happened to me. I was at sleep-away camp. I hated it, but, the arts and crafts shack was my salvation. I was in my very formative years, I remember walking in, the counselor had the first “Doors” album on, loud, and we were going to do silk screening. Hey, this camp thing might be alright. Maybe I didn’t have to run away. I realized creating art could even make color war bearable. Art was something that rose above everything else for me. And, I listen to that Doors music to this day with a smile on my face. Art and music have gotten me through some tough times.     In real life I am a Gemologist and Jewelry designer. I have been married and divorced. Raised a wonderful son .And, have a great dog. I have worked in retail and construction among other things. Repairing a corner cabinet in a renovation led me to the glass world. We needed to repair a stained glass door, and somehow, all the planets converged, and melting glass was the end result. It happened much quicker here than in real life. None the less, I was hooked. I am fascinated with what happens to glass every time I sit down and work with it. I am always learning something about it that I didn’t know before- and I love that!     I have been very fortunate to have taken some great classes with some amazing glass artists. I took my first class with Kristina Logan and then got the opportunity of a lifetime to go to Italy with Corina and Kimberly Affleck. There we worked with Luccio Bubacco, in his wonderful studio on the isle of Murano. I have also added Tink and Jen Geldard to the list of artists I have worked with. I love watching more accomplished glass workers, and you can be sure there are more wonderful classes in my future. And some good rock and roll!