Toots Zynsky is a pioneering glass artist known for creating innovative and intricate glass vessels using her unique “Filet de Verre” (Glass Net) technique. Born in 1951, Zynsky has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary glass art. Her work, which often reflects a deep connection to music, color, and form, is widely celebrated for its boldness and technical sophistication.

Zynsky graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 1973 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, studying under the renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. Her notable classmates included James Carpenter, Bruce Chao, Dan Dailey, and Therman Statom, all of whom became influential figures in art. In 1971, Zynsky was part of the team that helped found the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, an experimental hub that integrated glasswork with other art forms, laying the groundwork for her future explorations in the medium.

In 1980, Zynsky became the head of the New York Experimental Glass Workshop (now UrbanGlass), further establishing her role as a leader in the avant-garde glass movement. Her groundbreaking work was the first piece of contemporary glass art commissioned by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and her creations are now part of more than 70 museum collections worldwide, including the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Zynsky's signature glass vessels are crafted from thousands of thin glass threads fused in a kiln, then shaped into dynamic forms while still hot. She developed this labor-intensive technique in 1982, originally pulling the glass threads by hand. She later invented a machine for pulling the threads to streamline the process, enabling her to create her masterpieces more efficiently.

Inspired by bold textile palettes and music, Zynsky has said, “When I hear music, it translates into color.” This synesthetic approach infuses her work with a vibrant energy, making each vessel a dynamic interplay of color, texture, and form.