James Norton
Master Glass Artist

Sadly, James Norton passed away suddenly in January 2016

James Norton worked as a professional glass artist from Calgary, Alberta. A graduate of the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington and the Alberta College of Art in 1980, James undertook a career in Glass making. He became a part time instructor at the Alberta College of Art in 1983 and at The Red Deer Glass Program in 1986. He worked and assisted in developing Skookum Glass in the 1980’s and opened his own Glass Studio called Double Struggle Studio in 1985 with Barry Fairbairn. Together they created an original glass selection that included vases, plates, vessels, fish and lamps, to sculptural glass in the abstract forms. Each of the artists developed his own style and would come together to assist each other in the larger projects.

James Norton was an integral part of the National Glass Community for over 20 years and has been recognized in various publications in Canadian Glassworks 1970 – 1990, A Treasury of Canadian Craft 1992 and The Survey of Glass of the World 1991. He has been exhibited widely throughout Canada and the United States and sold his artwork throughout the world.

Jim Norton was a master glass maker and a much-loved teacher and the cumulative objects of art that he created over the last 25 years will remain a legacy in the canadian glass community.

James Norton is represented by Rowles & Company Ltd., Alberta's Corporate Gift & Art Gallery, in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta Canada.