Heart of Art Artist: Gale Glenn of Latitude 67 Laser Designs

May 29, 2022

Meet Alaskan laser artist Gale Glenn who has resided in the Mat-Su Valley since 1979 with her husband Dave. Like many Alaskans, Gale and Dave wore several other hats on their way to their current passion project that included long careers in accounting and working on the North Slope. After they were married in '94, they even ran a successful Air Taxi service in the Valley from 1994-2019. 

Six years ago, they bought their first laser cutter and have never looked back. They started out by creating a wide variety of unique etched products whether it involved custom trophies, colorful wooden plaques, or even sleek aviation instrument panels. Driven to continuously challenge herself and her mastery of the laser medium, she "just kept cruising for stuff, just looking for stuff that’s different… Something that somebody else isn’t doing." Which has led her to where we find her today. With her persistence and love of Alaska and of all things laser, she has developed the series of beautiful Alaskan inspired pieces featured in our Gallery that are so fresh and unique. We are so proud to be able to share them with you.    

*Can you tell us about your process?

Working with a laser is pretty straightforward - cut, paint, glue!  But there are always new processes for improving quality, efficiency and design.   

What is your favorite Medium?

Photography, watercolor. 

When did you first start creating?

My mother was a seamstress, so I picked up some sewing skills when I was young - made clothes for my Barbie!  As I got older, I did quite a bit of embroidery, continued with sewing clothes and crafts. 

What inspires you to create?

A lot of my inspiration comes from talking with folks about ideas that they have.  Makes me think about how I would go about creating that idea.

What’s your favorite thing to see/do in Alaska

We have a cabin that we like to spend time at during the summer. We esdepcially love the trout fishing at the lake. But my absolute favorite thing about this state is it's beauty. I remind myself every day to take time to look around.  Whether it's a cool piece of driftwood on the beach or at Pioneer Peak - there is always something beautiful to see. 

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

I was hesitant to try something new - puzzled over what colors to use.  You know what? - It doesn't matter, just do it.  You'll learn a lot from trial and error! 

Thank you to Gale Glenn for interviewing with us and taking us through her artistic journey. We are grateful to carry such incredible works from her and so many other artists here at Forests,Tides & Treasures. It is our continued goal at FTT to bridge the gap between artist and guests so that we may all embrace the humanity that we all share more easily. After all, we are better together.

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