Artist Bio

I’ve had a long and blissful art career working with pastels, fiber, clay, glass and photography.  I used my photography as reference material in each media and now that I’m semi-retired simply want to be outdoors, immersed in nature.

The more time I spend outside in nature, the more I want to be there.  I want to capture everything I see with my camera so you can see it too.  Something spiritual combined with luck and circumstance lead me to wildlife viewing opportunities, mostly in the Columbia River Gorge.  I feel incredible gratitude for each gift of a photograph that I receive.

I’ve sold my work since I was 16 years old, starting with macrame tie-dyed belts at the Rose Bowl Swap Meet back in the 60’s.  I also sold them to my high school teachers, neighbors and relatives.  I couldn’t stop making them.  To this day I can’t stop making things.  Although still making art glass, I’m mostly in the field with my camera now.

I’ve taken pictures since I was ten when I received a Kodak Instamatic camera for my birthday.  I used my photography as studio reference material for 25 years until friends told me that my photos were good enough to ‘show’.  I hope you think so too.

I’m beginning to think that my ultimate goal is sharing nature with people who can’t go where I go to see the magnificence of our natural world.  Not just shut ins, wheelchair bound, too infirm or too young, but also those that spend all their time at work or at home taking care of others.  I especially want people who can’t get out to know how spectacular nature is, in our back yard and beyond.

I have many images available for prints on paper, metal and canvas as well as all-occasion greeting cards.  Prints can be ordered in most standard sizes.  Purchase photos and art glass here.

See more of my work on my website, Facebook, Instagram,  Pinterest, Twitter, Flickr, and here on my WordPress blog.  Just look for Steider Studios.

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 fiber studio and began my adventure with glass. Color is an essential part of my work, as is having fun and taking time to play with this versatile medium.  I work in series to fully explore every color combination and direction that can be taken for each concept.

My work has been described as unique, ethereal, timeless and joyful.  Most of my work is decorative yet functional, from architectural installations to whimsical flower fairies for garden decor.  My Celestial Series bowls offer unique and colorful home decor; and my jewelry feels wonderful to wear.  An avid gardener surrounded by forest, I’m inspired by nature and wildlife.  Many of my designs incorporate lines and shapes found in nature.  I live a joyful life, and my work reflects that.  Our connections to one another are so important that I am incorporating that into my work with the use of spirals and other symbols.  They may be drawn on in 22k gold, or subtly blended with color.  From my studio to your home I send joy, color and a sense of affinity.

Bio:

Linda Steider of White Salmon, Washington has been working with kiln-formed glass since 1997 and began instructing on the national level in 2004.  Best known for her work with powdered glass, she has a unique perspective based on her 20 year background in fibers and pastels.  Steiderʼs 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.

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.  A summer in Europe after high school sealed her desire to create art throughout her life.   Steider has lived in the Columbia River Gorge since 1984, constantly awed and inspired by the majestic beauty of it’s diverse landscape.

A co-founder for 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’, ‘Blossom Glass Gallery’, and ‘June Glass Month’ in the Columbia River Gorge as well as curating numerous gallery shows highlighting creativity and glass at Columbia Arts.  Steider has taught beginning to advanced kilnforming classes locally; and specialized classes in kiln-formed glass across the country.    Living in the Columbia River Gorge provides unlimited inspiration.