Artist Bio

Thom Crider grew up in rural southeastern Kentucky but found his calling as an artist during his first full-time semester at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.  One of the first art classes he took in college was a jewelry making class.  The class so impressed him that he immediately changed his major to Art to begin pursuing his new passion and education in the fine arts.  Thom transferred to the University of North Texas in 1995 in order to study under world renowned metalsmith and enamellist Harlan Butt.  While there, Thom concentrated on metal fabrication and cloisonné enameling.  He became fascinated with the rich diversity in color one could achieve with enamels (crushed glass fused to fine-silver).  In November 1997, while still a student, Thom and his cloisonné work were featured in Lapidary Journal.  It is in this same issue you can see the beginning of his fascination with glass beads.  The article contained some of his very first beads created on a Hot-Head torch using self-taught techniques.  Today Thom focuses entirely on lampworked glass beads and finished jewelry.  Working on a Lynx torch, he creates large amazing focal beads.  He has taken Lampwork classes by several well known American glass artists and continues to expand his palette of techniques and style.  Much of his creativity is inspired by his love of such artists as Salvador Dali, Dale Chihuly and Pablo Picasso.  When asked about their influence Thom has this to say, “They pushed their art to the very edge, never allowing any limits in their work and that is how I approach my beads.  I make beads that are bright and full of life.  I use rich vibrant colors and enhance them with the use of layers of clear glass.  I look at them as a way to wear art, art that gets noticed.  With glass you are really only limited by your on creativity.”  Thom currently lives in Austin, Texas where he works from his studio creating beads and finished jewelry.