Artist Statement: I have always loved glass. It didn't occur to me that I could work with it as a medium until a friend introduced me to kiln-formed glass in 1996. After 20 years as a fiber artist, I sold my studio contents to take up my newfound glass passion. Color is an essential part of my work, as is having fun and taking time to play with this versatile medium. Nature is my primary source for inspiration, and my garden a close second. I like working in series to fully explore every color combination and direction that can be taken for any given concept. Rather than stating my intention for each piece or series, I find it fascinating to let the viewers derive their own meaning, based on their life experience. This can sometimes be different from my intended portrayal, but serves as a reminder that we all see the same circumstance or image differently. Biography: Linda Steider is a studio artist working primarily with kiln-formed glass. After twenty years of textiles and pastels, Steider transitioned to glass in 1997. Her broad range of experience and skills brings a rare perspective to the world of glass. Steider's award winning work (both in fiber and glass) has been shown nationally and internationally. Her pieces are included in private collections across North America, Europe, and Japan. Current work can be seen at Columbia Art Gallery, Hood River OR; The Dalles Art Center, The Dalles, OR; Pittock Mansion, Portland OR; Artisans Gallery, White Salmon, WA; and the Museum of Glass Store in Tacoma WA. Growing up, Steider was significantly influenced by the culture of the Yakama Tribe, and later, by the glitz of Hollywood. That unlikely combination of cultures are woven into her art and personality. She has lived in the Columbia River Gorge since 1984, constantly awed and inspired by the majestic beauty of its diverse landscape. Steider began instructing in 1987 at the community college level, adding kilnforming to her classes in 2001. In 2004 she began teaching at the national level traveling to glass conferences across the country. Her teaching style is upbeat and information packed. She is an enthusiastic instructor with a sharing attitude; "No secrets withheld" could be her bi-line according to appreciative student's reviews. Steider also works with and teaches children in grades four through twelve for the Arts in Education program. A co-founder of the Gorge Chapter of the Oregon Glass Guild, Steider has been instrumental in promoting glass throughout the region. She was co-producer of Glass in the Gorge and the Blossom Glass Gallery, as well as June Glass Month in the Gorge. Steider facilitated many nationally acclaimed glass artists speaking and teaching for the OGG gorge meetings. Steider has studied with pioneer glass artists Ruth Brockmann, Roger Thomas, Linda Ethier, Avery Anderson, Newey Fagan, and Richard LaLonde among others.