Why water? How did Jarvi become a glass artist? Learn more here.

NOTE: Jarvi (& her artist husband, Chris Craft) are now living and working in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas.

Carmella Jarvi is an artist - entrepreneur, McColl Center, Vermont Studio Center, and Hambidge Center alumna. She’s won many grants, including a prestigious 2020 Creative Renewal Fellowship — from the Arts & Science Council in Charlotte, NC — that have supported her creative work.

Her art has evolved from “women in water" paintings to abstract explorations of water through kiln glass — since a 2011 trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Peek into her studio/process… and other passions on her Instagram page.

Photo above is Jarvi’s Atrium Health Union West [Medical Office Building] commission through Skyline Art. Installed in early 2022. Stallings, NC. Image by Mitchell Kearney Photography.

Intrigued with glass — a mysterious, ubiquitous, and ethereal material — from an early age, Jarvi put off the idea of learning how to work with it because of the shear expense/huge learning curve. But, once she began experimenting with glass, she’s never looked back.

Her glass techniques — creating “water glass” — use multiple firings [in electric kilns] and layering more glass, with lots of cold working in between [using belt sander, other tools, and even breaking the glass]. Heat and gravity move the parts, and give it depth… helping to create the watery feel.

Whether tabletop, wall mounted/larger works, or public art, they are really paintings with glass — often inspired by water.

From her first memories, Carmella was in and around water. She grew up swimming/playing and exploring the waters of Lake Norman, NC where her grandparents had a waterfront place.

Carmella Jarvi’s public art and commissions tell a unique story — have a placemaking impact — that people connect with.

Water is universal. The abstract approach to her studio glass and public art offer a number of entry points for viewers.

Jarvi loves commissions, and enjoys collaborating with clients, other designers, artisans, as well as the community, at large. Using color, light and movement — keying off the design/color palette — she transforms a space with her glass. 

Jarvi’s Resume.