about the artist . . .
This is Steph Harper, Artist and Managing Partner of sjh Designwerks in Redwood City, California. She specializes in creating custom, original designs in stained and fused glass.
"Glass has the inherent ability to capture attention. People have been enthralled with its glow for centuries. As an artist, I am continuously inspired by the visual and tactile temptations that glass has to offer. On the other hand, my engineering training keeps me engrossed in the physical properties of glass and the effects that they have on the manipulation techniques available to me. I strive to create pieces that the viewer wants to reach out and touch."
For traditional stained glass pieces, Steph works on commission and has substantial experience in window design and construction. She works in both leaded glass construction as well as in the Tiffany method of copper foiling, often combining the two techniques to achieve truly unique results. Steph is a talented artist who is able to take a client’s idea and turn it into a work of art. She has made a niche for herself creating breathtaking windows in new home construction as well as in designing pieces for existing homes and businesses. Steph has been working with stained glass for over fifteen years. For the past several years, she has been delving into the world of glass fusing. She offers a wide variety of pieces: unique jewelry, plates and art glass bowls, as well as sculptural items and display pieces. She also creates custom home decorating items such as kitchen and bathroom tiles and light fixtures.
Steph is trained as an electrical engineer from the Illinois Institute of Technology where she graduated with High Honors. She brings aspects of her engineering training into her artwork to create pieces that are not only beautiful, but also well designed. She is a published poet and the mother of three. She served in the United States Air Force as an Air Battle Manager for five years including two combat tours in Afghanistan. During that time she earned three Air Medals in the service of her nation. She is still serving the USAF reserve as an Academy Liaison Officer where she works to help promising students prepare and apply for the USAF Academy and AFROTC.
Steph sees customers on an appointment only-basis and is always happy to discuss ideas with potential clients.