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Leslie Rankin says she knew she was destined to become an artist since awakening from a dream at the age of 7.

Tuesday, June 05, 2001
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NEWSMAKERS: Las Vegas woman among country's elite glass artists

Her colorful creations can be seen in local homes and hotels as well as overseas

When Las Vegas resident Leslie Rankin was 16 years old, her family held an intervention for her. But unlike interventions meant to prevent a person from spiraling further into drug or alcohol abuse, her family was trying to put a stop to her desire for a career in art.

They thought it would be difficult for Rankin to make a living as an artist and wanted her to choose a different career.

But ever since she awoke from a dream at age 7, Rankin says she knew she was destined to be an artist. And now, at 44, Rankin knows her resistance to her family's wishes was worth it.

"I stuck to it and I was really committed to that," she says. "I saw so many incredible artists give up."

She admits talent is important, but says 90 percent of becoming a successful artist is perseverance.

"It was tiring and it was frustrating and it was really, really hard," she says of her years trying to make a living as an artist, which included living in her car for three months. "I've spent a lot of time in tears, a lot of time praying. I've always known my course."

Rankin, who, as a child would finish half-drawn cartoons her father created, has never lost sight of her dream. She was named one of the top glass artists in the country by The Architect's Sourcebook 15 and also was featured on an episode of "Modern Masters," which will be rebroadcast at 7:30 p.m. Monday on the HGTV cable network.

Rankin, who studied fine art with an emphasis on sculpture at the University of Utah, was always interested in three-dimensional pieces. She calls her creations "glassic art," a name that came to her in another dream. Her etchings in two-dimensional glass are colored with paint, adding more depth and giving them a three-dimensional appearance.

"Glass really challenges you. I like the problem-solving," she says, explaining that glass doesn't shrink or grow, so every measurement and etch needs to be precise. "I work in glass and turn it into fine art, which is sometimes functional."

The problem-solving is what led to her creating a unique paint that allows her to incorporate color in the glass, something that is difficult because color tends to fade with time.

"I think color is just really important in the world," she says. "If something doesn't have color in the world, it just dies."

There's also an important factor when creating a piece for a client.

"It is a big trust issue," she says. "Clients are trusting me to take their money without showing them a finished product."

Rankin, who has had her own business since 1986, currently has four employees. She works from her home but will open up her own gallery this summer. She has never advertised her art and relies solely on referrals. Working with interior designers, she creates everything from room dividers and bars to windows and doors. She has created pieces for such resorts as the Bellagio and Rio, as well as for clients in India and Taiwan.

"I live the lifestyle of the rich and famous. I get enthusiastic," she says on being inspired by clients' homes. "Every house I walk into has the personality of a client. That's what keeps it fresh. I never get bored."

But, according to Rankin, her focus isn't only on the glass.

"I kind've feel like my purpose is to inspire other people with gifts to use them," she says. "I really want to inspire other young people to follow their dreams -- it can happen."

Rankin says she enjoys visiting schools on career days.

"I'm giving those kids a chance to look at other careers, not traditional ones ... to look at their gift," she says. "There is always a need for art."

Rankin can't imagine her life without art.

"I can't stop it," she says, explaining that even when not working, she is still creating. "I get depressed ... a deep sadness when I don't have that outlet."

In other news:

• The Junior League of Las Vegas announced its board of directors at its May luncheon. New board members include: Louise Helton, president; Debbie Herman, president-elect/league education; Donna Levy, immediate past president/placement; Kristina Swallow, administrative vice president; Sally Rycroft, fund development vice president; Pat Downs, community vice president; Shelley Gorman, community member-at-large; Susan Kubat, finance vice president; Suzette Wheeler, treasurer; Erica Mayer, administrative member-at-large; and Carol Doria, recording secretary.

If you know of a worthy candidate for the Newsmakers column, mail information to: Deana Di Dio, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070. Send faxes to 383-4676 or send e-mail to ddidio@lvrj.com.