John Sweet
Bike Gate Studio
Hand Bound Books and Fused Art Glass
Bend, Oregon
(541)388-7376
bikegatestudio@bendbroadband.com
John Sweet can often be found at liquidators, resale stores, local bicycle shops and garage sales seeking out interesting items that can be incorporated into his art. His appearance at these establishments is greeted with a warm welcome, usually a hand shake or hug, as John has become an active member of the Bend art scene. John’s inspiration to create a large piece of art glass is sometimes inspired by a found object, and other times finished by using the found objects for the display of the work. At all times, the chance of the found object is at play in his creation.
John was born in Texas and grew up in Alaska. He and his wife Dorothy have called Bend, Oregon home since 1989.
His artistic endeavors were first as a photographer (award winning Alaskan photographer) and then a book binder. In 2005 John’s daughter got married and asked him to make the guest book for the wedding. John received the invitation and after many sleepless nights trying to come up with a design for the cover he talked with a friend that was a fused glass artist and instructor. After a crash course in glass cutting, cleaning, and fusing the book came together and was a success. This started John down the path of becoming a fused glass artist.