Meet Sheila Szilagyi-Noseworthy | Stained Glass Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheila Szilagyi-Noseworthy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheila, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been a creative, a mess maker, a builder. I didn’t pursue an artistic program in college, and instead opted for a more practical degree, but I always came back to the arts. Whether it was as a form of expression, art therapy or later a goal to become a working artist I began to realize the value of art in my life. We all want to do what we love, but I had a lot of apprehension admitting I wanted to work with glass full time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a contemporary stained glass artist creating wearable fine art accessories. Glass is born from architectural contours and fiery industrial processes. I reinterpret that into humanized pieces that channel the female energy whether displayed as fine art or worn as a moving exhibit. Using rare and vintage architectural glass, I translate a traditionally rigid building process into modern, intricate and illuminated clutch and handbag designs. I am fascinated by the potential of a cold, fragile and inflexible medium to transition through light and design and shift to exude strength, movement and femininity. What sets me apart is that stained glass is traditionally a flat or panel medium but I strive to push the structural boundaries of glasswork. I am mesmerized by the shifting light and how glass can morph throughout the waning sunlight. A piece can change hundreds of times simply by the angle of perspective or the shifting light. Glass is not intended to be a wearable medium so there are always engineering and safety challenges, but after daydreaming and trial and error I was able to create a line of handbags and clutches and even weight bearing stained glass heels! It’s exhilarating to complete the process and create something that has never been done before. I use variations of the Tiffany copper foil method – a process that was patented in the late 1800’s and is unmatched in modern art. I love using vintage glass and get lost in creating a modern piece with a centuries old technique. I also create glass flowers and bridal bouquets for an heirloom wedding day treasure. My goal is to create contemporary but timeless pieces that gain character, patina, and stories as they age.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love the dramatic history and the tranquil beachfront view at the Hotel Del Coronado. As a Canadian transplant I still miss the nostalgia of a white Christmas, and while I can’t get that in San Diego, ice skating during the holidays and wrapping up with a nice hot chocolate is a pretty fantastic alternative. As a pop culture and cosplay fan Comic Con is always my top event of the year. I’m not so patiently waiting for the con scene to hobble to a return and hoping after a multi year cancellation that the fans will be out if full force again this year. I always tell people that while tickets are difficult to get, the Gaslamp is a fantastic area to eat, drink and people watch during SDDC. I am always in absolute awe of the costumes and cosplays and I honestly prefer soaking that creativity in instead of doing the con shuffle inside. I also love a lunch on the grass of Petco park or one of the many open air restaurants downtown. I love to visit downtown, but prefer the tranquility and space of my Poway neighborhood. My hubby and I often take the kids on a bike ride to the Rancho Penasquitos waterfall or an easy hike through Blue Sky Reserve. It’s rarely busy and it’s a beautiful way to recenter and appreciate the many miles of San Diego trails.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have always created at home in my bubble and that brings mixed blessings. On one hand there is nobody to tell me that what I’m building is impractical or can’t be done. It’s very freeing and allows me to innovate techniques and find my personal style. On the other hand I didn’t really see myself as an artist and I didn’t always follow conventional techniques. I also love to dabble in costume design and cosplay and a few years ago a local non-profit arts organization was holding an event during Comic Con. I was covered in flaming bodypaint and a fiery wig and I was a little nervous to check out the event. I am so grateful I did because that night Vanguard Culture shifted my artistic and personal trajectory. I discovered not only a room full of wonderful people, but realized there were so many like minded creatives working to build San Diego’s creative industries and encourage artists of all levels and capabilities. Vanguard Culture offered insightful professional development and group coaching workshops, as well as a wide variety of theatrical, culinary and visual arts events. They encouraged everyone to bring business cards and it was because of one of these events that I had my first cards printed. Occupation – Artist.

This led me to apply to the first ever stained glass reality show competition. Incredibly, I was selected to compete along side three of the nations best artists and I am so grateful for that experience. It was intense and nerve wracking but I made it through elimination and showcased a final piece in the Meet Your Makers Showdown Gallery! The show streamed globally on discovery+ and I am very proud of what all of the artists achieved under intense pressure. I give the producers and my fellow artist credit for lifting all of us up and helping us share the gift of stained glass.

Website: www.sheilaszilagyi.com

Instagram: @sheilaszilagyi

Linkedin: Sheila Szilagyi-Noseworthy

Twitter: Sheila Szilagyi

Image Credits
Photographer: Dena Meeder