Conversations: Sara Roller

Glass Artist

Photos: PAPER MONDAY // Article Madison Salie

How did you first get into art? 

I feel like I’ve always been into art," Sara began. "I was a very artistic kid, always getting into trouble for drawing on the walls. I think I was just trying to recreate my space, to make it my own. To channel that energy, I was enrolled in an after-school nonprofit art program called The Visual Art Institute of Utah. That was a turning point for me. Being taught by professional artists and learning to translate the world around me into a two-dimensional form was transformative. Figurative work has always been central to my art. 

And how did glassblowing become part of your journey? 

In college, I started questioning my path: 'What am I going to do with this? I know how to make art, but how do I make it my own?' That curiosity led me to a glassblowing class, which changed everything. It shifted my focus from the two-dimensional work I’d been doing all my life to something entirely new. There’s something about glass—the way it moves, its texture and malleability—that absolutely fascinates me. 

What happened after that initial glassblowing class in Salt Lake City? 

I decided to leave college and attend Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State, founded by Dale Chihuly, a key figure in the studio glass movement. Pilchuck is a magical place—a glass school set on a tree farm where people who love glass as a material can experiment, learn, and create. During my time there, I met some amazing people, including someone who later told me about a job at a chandelier company in Salt Lake. After returning home, I persistently pursued that job, eventually landing a role there. 

What did your career look like after that? 

Working at the chandelier company was intense—definitely not the clean or aesthetic environment people might imagine. It was hands-on, every day, and I learned an immense amount in a short time. When the pandemic hit, demand for home remodeling surged, and I was sent to Los Angeles to work in Joe Cariati’s studio. Joe recognized the skills I’d developed and eventually invited me to join his team permanently in LA. It was a huge shift from a corporate setting to a creative studio environment where I could collaborate with other artists. 

What does a typical day look like for you now as a full-time artist? 

My day-to-day involves working for Joe Cariati from Monday to Thursday, where I help create his pieces. Glassblowing is a collaborative effort—you can’t do it alone. I also teach lessons to 

supplement my income. My weekends are dedicated to my jewelry line, 'Siren,' where I can work solo on flame work and design new pieces. It’s a constant learning process, especially with glass being such a volatile material.

How did you transition into jewelry?

After being in LA for about a year, a personal breakup became a turning point for me. It pushed me to choose myself and my career, leading me to a week-long glassblowing class in Barcelona focused on jewelry design. That experience, combined with a subsequent trip to Paris to work with another glassblower, solidified my desire to pursue jewelry. It felt like a return to my childhood love of fashion and self-expression.

Tell us more about your jewelry line, 'Siren.'

I named my jewelry line 'Siren' because there's something magical and alchemical about wearing glass. It feels bold, avant-garde, and truly unique. LA is a creative hub, and through collaboration with other artists like my friend Gabi, a makeup artist, I realized how much I want to work with fashion houses and other creatives. Our project 'Echo' was a blend of my jewelry and her makeup artistry, and it felt like a perfect harmony of our crafts.

What are your goals for the future?

I recently applied for a grant, so fingers crossed for that. My immediate goal is to grow my business and make more of my income from my own work, whether that’s selling jewelry, doing pop-ups, or working on editorial projects. I’m focusing on building my brand and expanding my reach, possibly through an Etsy shop or increased traffic to my website. It's all about refining my vision and bringing it to life.

Sara’s journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and being open to the twists and turns that come with a creative career. Her dedication to her craft and willingness to embrace new challenges make her a remarkable figure in the world of glass art and jewelry.

For more information on Sara Roller, her work, and her classes, visit sararoller.com.