copyright spiritridergallery.com 2010
Lisa Harbidge (nee Head) was born in Red Deer, Alberta, and after several moves has been settled in Rocky Mountain House since 1992. A passion to create lead Lisa to enroll in the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) following high school. The programming requirements suited her perfectly, as she experimented with different materials in the various art departments. Lisa graduated with a major in sculpture where she was able to combine the freedom of creative process with various mediums.
While attending ACAD she began working for a prominent art glass studio in Calgary. The owner was keen to be on the developing edge of new techniques for the very traditional art form, which presented new challenges. Lisa apprenticed by learning the various methods such as copper foil construction, leading, fusing, etching etc. From commissioning, designing, and construction to lighting, restoration and installation she developed a diverse working knowledge of what was involved to produce quality works that will stand the test of time. One of the larger architechural commissions that she worked on was the back-lit glass cabinets that were installed in a synagogue in Calgary, Alberta to house the Torahs. With a height of 18 feet, 6 opening doors and an overall width of approximately 25 feet, the work presented a large technical challenge and is a lasting testament to the beauty of authentic stained glass.
A continuing keen interest in the properties, challenges and possibilities of various mediums has Lisa working in her studio producing works for gallery shows, commissions and competitions. 

Spirit Rider Gallery & Studio

The artwork & life of artist Lisa Head Harbidge

Affiliations

The Alberta Craft Council-www.albertacraft.ab.ca
The Visual Arts Association-www.visualartsalberta.com
Leigthton Foundation-www.leightoncentre.org
Carfac-www.carfac.ca
Alberta Society of Artists-www.artists-society.ab.ca
Rocky Studio Tour Member-www.rockystudiotour.com
Warm Glass Guild of Calgary

Artist Bio

Statement
The process of transforming a few unassuming pieces of glass into works of art is a simple pleasure that has now become a necessary contrast to a complicated life. I use various processes of manipulating the hot glass such as combing, using sliced color pattern bars, or “pot melts”,fusing etc. Learning the technical aspects and experimentation sometimes provides a foundation for a piece’s beginning. For the most part, I have control over color and general forms and ideas; beyond that, however, I am at the mercy of the glass’ properties. The exact outcome is unpredictable, sometimes capturing the element of artistic expression that I continue to struggle with and which I long for in my artwork. By then taking the chaotic and framing it, or incorporating it into another form, I retain the control I ultimately desire in my art.

aaaaaaaaaaaaiii