Starting as a stained glass artist, I have been working artistically with glass since the mid 1980s. About 16 years ago I learned how to blow and fuse glass to create a variety of different forms. Now, growing as an artist is an important personal goal of mine.

Ten years ago I remodeled my house. At that time the back yard was just a big pile of dirt. With the transformation I made of the back yard, I want people to see that it’s possible to have something unattractive and change it into something that’s really spectacular.

The gratitude glasses I make add pleasure to the experience of the person who drinks from the glass. People say that they feel happier when they drink from my glasses and they now only drink out of their “Larry glasses”.

My yard glass sculpture series includes many different shapes of glass that can be used to brighten a yard, garden or flowerpot. The glass sculptures can be brought inside in the winter to add color to homes and offices. Additionally, all my yard glass art can be left outside during winter.

Some people say about my glass art, “Boy, that has a real strong spiritual component to it. That makes me feel more connected to spirit.” I totally believe that. I believe that if we tune into nature our life is better. My favorite things are hiking in overwhelming nature and art. So the glass art in my yard is me creating a sanctuary by bringing the sense of nature and art together.

A few years ago my wife, Lucie, and I formed the Lucie and Larry Nisson Art in Public Program in partnership with the Ann Arbor Art Association. Our goal is to bring art into the public spaces of our city. We’ve made possible murals, painted utility boxes, and the painting of the railroad bridge over Huron St. in downtown Ann Arbor. Lucie and I believe art in public adds positivity to the city for all who live there.