Early Life and Education

Shayna Leib is a distinguished multimedia artist renowned for her intricate glass and ceramic sculptures. Born and raised on the Central Coast of California, Leib’s early exposure to the ocean significantly influenced her artistic themes. She pursued her undergraduate studies at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, with minors in Art, Literature, and Music.

Leib continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she completed her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Glass and Metal in 2003. Her time at UW-Madison was pivotal, allowing her to refine her skills and develop a unique artistic voice.

Artistic Career

Leib’s career spans over three decades, during which she has explored various mediums including glass, ceramics, metal, photography, and fabric. However, glass remains her primary medium due to its ability to express flow and movement. Her work often draws inspiration from natural elements, particularly wind and water, which are central themes in her acclaimed Wind & Water series.

Leib’s creative process is meticulous and labor-intensive, involving multiple stages from hot glass sculpting to warm and cold processes. She is known for her use of “cane,” long rods of glass that she hand-pulls and incorporates into her sculptures to create dynamic and flowing forms.

Exhibitions and Collections

Shayna Leib’s work has been exhibited extensively across the globe, including in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Some notable exhibitions include:

• Solo Exhibitions:
  
  • Studies of Flow at the Chihuly Collection, Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg, FL (2018)
  • Wind & Water at Echt Gallery, Chicago, IL (2013)
  • The Deep Aquarium in Hull, England (2014)
• Group Exhibitions:
  
  • New Glass Now at the Corning Museum of Glass, NY (2019)
  • Céramiques Gourmandes at Fondation Bernardaud, Limoges, France (2019)
  • Into the Deep at the Tacoma Museum of Glass, WA (2017)
  • Sculptural Objects and Functional Art in Chicago, IL (2017)
    
    

Her works are also part of prestigious collections, including the personal residence of the Princess of Morocco, the Deep Aquarium in Hull, England, the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington DC, and Eastman Kodak.

Awards and Recognitions

Leib has received numerous awards throughout her career, recognizing her exceptional talent and contributions to the field of glass art. Some of her notable awards include:

• 2010 Wisconsin Arts Board Grant Recipient
• 2010 People’s Choice Award at the 37th International Glass Invitational, Habatat Michigan
• 2008 American Style Award at the 36th International Glass Invitational, Habatat Michigan
• 2003 Horizon Emerging Artists Award, American Craft Museum
• 2003 Best of Show at “Beyond Tradition,” Wisconsin Designer Crafts Council
  
  

Teaching and Influence

In addition to her artistic practice, Shayna Leib has also contributed to academia. She has taught at various institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her teaching roles have included lecturer positions in glass, sculpture, and drawing.

Personal Life and Diving

An avid diver since 2007, Leib’s underwater experiences have profoundly influenced her work, particularly her Wind & Water series. Diving allows her to observe marine life firsthand, providing inspiration for her intricate and dynamic sculptures.

Conclusion

Shayna Leib’s work is a testament to her technical mastery, creative vision, and deep connection to the natural world. Her ability to capture the essence of wind and water in glass has earned her a prominent place in contemporary art. Through her exhibitions, awards, and teaching, Leib continues to inspire and influence the world of glass art.