The Artists

Avinoam Zohar - Lead Glass Blower, Master Fused Artist

The Zohar Family has WINTER OLYMPIC FEVER......
GO CANADA GO!
They had an amazing journey to Vancouver and Whistler, fully experiencing all aspects of the Olympics. While there, they had 3 separate installations in Whistler's first NET ZERO home....with the most dramatic hallway chandelier to be installed in the near future(the house wasn't quite ready for it yet).

The History

Zohar Glassworks, a husband and wife team, is dedicated to creating innovative and insightful art glass, including an extensive Judaica line -- using the ancient techniques of fused glass and glass blowing.

Raised in Alaska, Avinoam Zohar spent time as a commercial fisherman and became deeply connected to the powers of nature and G-d's creations. As a boy, during the dark seasons, Avinoam grew curious about light, it's reflective qualities and maximizing what little there was. He has thus been a perpetual student of glass. He began learning about stained glass while working in architectural glazing, beveling and sandblasting. With his diversified knowledge and understanding of glass, fusing became a natural addition to and primary vehicle for his talents.

Shari Wyne was raised in Alberta, Canada. After attending University, Shari moved to California where she completed her Masters in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. With a successful career, Shari met her future husband, Avinoam, in San Francisco at a renowned blues bar. He, at the time, was a commercial glazier. Together, they began to explore the harmony of their creative talents. Joined by family and friends in a traditional ceremony, Shari and Avinoam were wed under the Chuppah the first day of spring, 1993 in Southern Oregon, where they now reside.


Before meeting one another, both Avinoam and Shari shared the love of glass. Glass is an exquisite media: it begins cold, changes form and color under heat and becomes so smooth, dancing with the light. Their inspiration comes from everywhere, from the mundane, to the elaborate. Light and shadow spark fabulous ideas and very often, the glass itself inspires designs. Through study and the use of prayer, many of their works embody hidden symbolism; some simple and some more complex. The "kavannah", or intention, behind their designs is of utmost importance. Pieces used for ritual capture their interpretation of the essence of that ritual. Thus, their creative direction is strongly influenced by the pleasure and delight their work brings to others.

Since the birth of their daughter, in 1997, their work has taken on a festive, fun, light-hearted nature. Their art is their way of sharing their passion and joy with others, hoping to enhance the lives it touches. Each creation is very personal. And since the birth of their son in 2001, they discontinued the extensive travel showing their creations. The last couple of years, they are enjoying custom and unique creations more than ever.

Each signed piece of art is uniquely created. Shari and Avinoam take pride in designing perfect gift items for every life-cycle event: including practical daily life, impractical daily life, as well as for celebratory events. Many items can be personalized and each letter is actually cut out of glass! Their work is completely non-toxic and functional. A little light makes the work even more beautiful.

Art Glass has become a prevalent form of art in America. Signed pieces are steadily increasing in value and Zohar Glassworks is proud to have work displayed in many galleries and private collections across the United States, Canada, Europe and Israel. They specialize in the highest quality materials and workmanship, allowing their glassworks to be passed down, generation to generation.

Zohar Glassworks' exquisite and distinctive Judaica creations and contemporary functional and decorative works are treasured items, and have become perfect heirlooms.