Jewellery Showcase: Priscilla Kar Yee Lo

Priscilla Kar Yee Lo is a Toronto based artist working in glass with a focus on identity, memory, and cultural narratives. She grew up in an immigrant family and spent a decade in health care before committing fully to her artistic practice. She holds a Bachelor of Craft and Design from Sheridan College and an MFA from Illinois State University. Her career includes residencies at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the Pittsburgh Glass Center, and other international programs. In 2024 she was recognized with the Saxe Emerging Artist Award.

Visit our Distillery Shop to see the Jewellery Showcase, from September 13 - November 2, 2025 or Shop Online here!

Priscilla’s  jewellery collection highlights the paradox of glass, a material that can appear fragile yet convincingly imitate metal, ceramic, and other substances. Each flameworked piece combines refined form, engraved surfaces, and vibrant contemporary colours to create pieces that feel both delicate and current. The work carries a quiet elegance with minimalist clarity while inviting a closer look at the disguises hidden within the material.

"I worked as a respiratory therapist for over a decade before I discovered glass. Looking for a creative outlet, I signed up for a 10-week glassblowing class at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. I also tried fusing and flameworking, and I completely fell in love with the material. I kept taking the class several times until my teachers, many of them Sheridan alumni, encouraged me to go back to school for glass. That encouragement led me to Sheridan’s Craft and Design program and later to an MFA at Illinois State University.

"I work out of my home studio, where I have a kiln, a torch, and some basic coldworking equipment. For larger projects that need more space or specialized tools, I rent time at other studios or visit friends in the US who have access to facilities. This balance lets me stay independent while still connected to the larger glass community.

"The glass community in Canada is small, but that is what makes it special. In Ontario, there is a real spirit of generosity where people share knowledge, space, and opportunities. It feels less competitive and more like everyone is invested in seeing each other succeed. It is also rewarding to stay connected with mentors who guided me early on and remain part of the community. That sense of support has been very important to me.

"Travel is a big influence for me. I love visiting museums, architecture, and historic sites, and those experiences often spark new ideas for form and material. My years working in the hospital as a respiratory therapist also taught me to be resourceful and creative in problem-solving. That way of thinking shapes my studio practice today and inspires me to explore different tools and technologies in my work.

"My goals are to continue growing both my sculptural and wearable work, while reaching wider audiences. I want to establish a stronger online presence for my jewellery line and take part in more residencies abroad to expand my creative horizons. I also hope to continue building opportunities for collaboration and mentorship within the glass community that has supported me so much."