Rogue Wave Glassworks is a family operation. The talents of the Hellemonds - Craig and Carla and Craig's parents John and Lois - have converged to produce a highly effective, dynamic team.
Craig Hellemond - the Artist:
On the cutting edge of the flameworking industry, Craig Hellemond is one of the leading artists in his field. A solid base education at the Scientific Glassblowing School at Salem College and studies under world-renowned hollow figurative sculptural artist, Joe Luisi, provided him with a solid footing to start his career. Armed with an associate degree and a good technical understanding of borosilicate glass, Craig returned to his Canadian roots for the artistic inspiration that only his homeland could provide.
Craig and his wife, Carla, settled on Vancouver Island and grew their production company to where it is today. With Carla's artistic direction, the Hellemonds have worked together to create a unique and durable glass jewelry line that is second to none.
With ten years experience under his belt, Craig is rated today among the top glass flameworkers in Canada. He is one of a handful of artists working with borosilicate glass and utilizing the old-world technique of Murinni. In spite of his accomplishments, Craig does not take any of this for granted. In his words, “The learning never stops.”
“I continue my education through hands-on seminars in private facilities in the Pacific Northwest and the soft glass program at Red Deer College in Alberta. My training in martial arts has developed a strong appreciation for balance in life and work. It has helped me to understand that my grounding in technical glass fabrication is what facilitates my artistic expression. In a world of 'everyday' jewelry, I bring confidence and expertise to create unique glass art designs.”
Craig works 50 - 60 hours a week in his studio in Chemainus where he also gives instruction. His expertise is often sought, and he was asked to demonstrate at the 2006 Glass Art Conference in Alberta.
Carla Hellemond - the Jewelry Designer:
In addition to raising their young sons, Levi and Duncan, Carla works with her husband as the artistic designer for Rogue Wave Glassworks. Her training in glassblowing at Salem College provided her with a keen understanding of the glass medium and its potential to exemplify the uniqueness of the wearer. This, combined with her natural talents in fashion and design, make her the ideal partner to take on the role of jewelry designer for the company.
Carla is not only Craig's anchor in their family life, she is also his inspiration in their shared artistic endeavours.
Lois Hellemond - the Director of Sales & Marketing:
Lois started her career as a Middle School Teacher in the Ontario education system. While teaching for ten years in a four-room schoolhouse and raising two boys, she mastered the art of multi-tasking and thinking outside the box. In 1979, she moved with her husband, John, and their sons to British Columbia. After raising her family, she changed direction and went to work for B.C. Tel, which later became “Telus”. Her 20 years experience in the Retail Division of Telus provided her with excellent training in the retail business and, in particular, marketing and promotions. These skills were put to good use when she retired from Telus in 2004 and decided to go into business with her son and daughter-in-law.
John Hellemond - the Corporate Consultant:
John could be called 'the silent partner' in the operation. As the corporate consultant, he deals with the big picture, taking care of Rogue Wave's business affairs. His background in the corporate world makes him the perfect candidate for dealing with government bureaucrats and other related matters, thus freeing up time for the artists to create.
