James Nowak James Nowak worked nights as a nuclear engineer so that his days were free to pursue glass. Studying at the Pratt School of Fine Arts in Seattle and later at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington, provided a foundation for establishing his own studio. Isolation in the Southern Oregon coast wilderness for over a decade allowed James to develop his own unique style, heavily influenced by the raw grandeur of the maritime Pacific Northwest. A core of glass workers to rival any in the world are concentrated in this area. This proximity to abundant knowledge and skilled artisans provided the fuel necessary to propel his work to new heights. "I learned to blow glass using the team approach. Because of this I had the good fortune of working with several very talented Northwest artists including Dale Chihuly, Benjamin Moore, Richard Royal, Dante Marioni, William Morris, Karen Willenbrink, Stephan Dale Edwards, Joey Kirkpatric, Flora Moore and Mark Eckstrand. These individuals have greatly enriched my understanding of glass. One of the most influential to myself, Dale Chihuly, provided me with the tremendous opportunity of working on one of his winter glass-blowing teams held at Pilchuck." "A coordinated glass team is poetry in motion. Like a well choreographed dance, each person has their part. Mine is to lead the group and, with their assistance, execute the piece. I personally hand-form all the designs in every piece. With my signature comes my vision and takes with it a little part of me."