Biography

Inspired by the intangibles of the universe, Grace Chepenik finds her muse in the beauty of nature and the vitality of life. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Chepenik's artistic journey began with a shared loved for creating with her painter grandmother, sparking a lifelong passion.

She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Painting from the University of Miami. Her path took a significant turn when she discovered glassblowing in 2018. Her artwork is a reflection of the natural world that surrounds her, heavily influenced by the tropical landscapes of South Florida and her occasional retreats to Aruba.

 Artist Statement

My work explores the connection between spirit and nature through two main forms: painting and glassblowing.

In my paintings, I use bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, patterns, and symbolic imagery to express the energy that connects all living things. Animals often appear as symbols of harmony with nature, surrounded by electric colors, glowing halos, and layered patterns that reflect their deeper connection to the universe.

Painting has always been at the core of my practice, but over time, my approach has become more sculptural. Discovering glass completely transformed how I create. It brought a new physical dimension to my work and gave me a powerful sense of raw creation—breathing life into something that didn’t exist before. The light, form, and fragility of glass naturally reflect the metaphysical themes that run through my art.

Each piece I make is a tribute to energy, connection, and the unseen forces that shape our world. My art is grounded in my own life—whether that’s time spent on a beach in Florida or Aruba, or the many experiences that continue to shape how I see and express the world around me.