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

NOTE: Carmella Jarvi (& her artist husband, Chris Craft) are now living and working in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. There has been much to do getting new studios/Brushmark Studios, LLC set up… and it’s almost done! Website will be updated soon. In the mean time, follow her on Instagram to get a little peek.

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. [The artist still does some abstract water painting… lots of painting especially when she gets to enjoy an artist’s residency.] 

Want to peek into her studio/process? Follow 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/well known “water look” 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 smaller tabletop, wall mounted/larger works, or public art, they are really paintings with glass — mostly 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 lot.

Her public art installations/commissions tell a unique story with a powerful, placemaking impact that all kinds of people connect with.

Water is universal, and this abstract approach to her studio glass, and public art work means there are a number of entry points for viewers. Circles, color, light, and even movement, are important elements of the experience.

Carmella Jarvi loves commissions, and enjoys working with clients, other designers, consultants, artisans, as well as the community, at large. Using color, light and movement — keyed off their interior design/color palette — she transforms their space with her custom visions. 

You can find her in the glass studio making new pieces, working on public art/commissions, or maybe painting some abstract, water-inspired art. She also might be crafting a business/project pitch in their Brushmark Studios, LLC office.

Jarvi’s Resume.