Talitha Gaylor is the artist owner of Opaline Glassworks. She lives in a 125-year-old farm house in Elgin with her husband and dogs.

1. Why did you move to Elgin?

My family and I moved to Elgin eight years ago when our daughter started college at UT. We fell in love with a 125-year-old farmhouse and we have gradually worked on restoring it and creating our dream home. We have also fallen in love with this amazing community and our daughter recently bought a house here as well!

2. What compels you to spend time creating?

I have had a lifelong love for creating and writing. I spent 25 years as a teacher and school counselor, squeezing in opportunities for creative outlets. It’s such a privilege to be able to dedicate my time to creating full-time. I am a very goal driven person so maintaining challenging and interesting goals keeps me motivated. I also thrive on connection so from the moment I discovered the She Creates Community in Elgin I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.

She Creates also led me to finding an awesome accountability group. They have taught me so much about productivity as an artist. I’ve always enjoyed working as part of a team so it’s great to have like-minded collaborators.

It’s hard to choose just three things I’ve learned in the past five years. Starting a new career after 50 has been a rapid learning curve, but I love it! Having an accountability group has taught me so much about establishing processes when I am creating.

They have also taught me about what it means to be a business person and how to promote myself and my business.

The most important thing I have learned is to truly regard myself as an artist, valuing my time and my work in higher esteem. I still have a LOT to learn but I’m enjoying it.

4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?

I was lucky enough to be gifted an abundance of vintage glass recently so I’ve been working backwards on my stained glass projects lately. I usually choose a project and buy materials to create it. Now I am creating projects that lend themselves to the materials. It has been an unexpected challenge for me because the glass seems to break in different ways so it’s also a chance to improve my skills and try out some larger pieces.

I love junk journaling. It really helps me focus my thoughts. I was inspired by a friend to start 1000 Gratitudes and this has become part of my journaling. I have a lot of varied interests so reminding myself of what’s really important helps me follow through AND edit.

I also enjoy writing and I’m working on a Hero’s Journey story with a friend. I’ve been reading Fantasy Story Recipes created by Storyfolk and just finished reading Fairy Tale by Stephen King. I generally like to pair nonfiction and fiction on whatever theme or idea I’m exploring. I think it must be the teacher in me!

5. Cake or Pie?

PIE, all kinds, sweet and savory!

…….

Instagram @opalineglassworks

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1. Why did you move to Smithville?

After leaving New England in our Airstream camper and traveling the country with our kids for a few years, we ended up in Austin. We stayed there for ten years, but my heart longed for small-town country living. When I visited Smithville for the first time, I wrote in my journal that I had stumbled upon the Vermont of Texas. I think I meant that the lines between the Earth and the people were blurred and the warmth of the community was unmistakeable. I bought our falling-apart cottage because I loved the Magnolia tree in the front yard and never looked back. I love it here with my entire heart.

2. What compels you to spend time creating?

I don’t know a life of not being an artist. From my first memories of making mud bowls and “cooking” them under the dryer vents of my Grandma’s backyard, it was never a decision or a choice. Whatever exists in the intersection of nature, art, and healing is what my heart is made of, I guess. There have been times I have been compelled to stop creating in an effort to get a “real” job and be more normal, but that only lasts a short time before I come to my senses.