Norm Martel

Norm Martel’s artistic journey along the path of stained glass began way back in 1996. “I enrolled in a class offered by a stained glass store on James Island, South Carolina,” he says. “It provided a solid foundation upon which I have grown over the past thirty years.” Originally from Newport, Rhode Island, Norm’s work has been featured in a number of galleries through the years. He has spent the last decade in Florida, immersing himself in the company of friends and family and enjoying the rich arts community that keeps his creativity flowing. Through his craft, Norm translates his love for vibrant color and rich texture into the transformative power of glass. It is a passion that has blossomed into a lifelong modality, shaped through his aptitude and fueled by his curiosity and patience. Creating beautiful stained glass panes, Norm draws much of his inspiration from his mother in law, Lorene Hodges. “She was a talented artist of many mediums, but her passion for stained glass ignited a flame in me that has never gone out,” he recollects fondly. Today, Norm enjoys working with clients on custom orders. “They have sentimental value and become family heirlooms,” he says. “It’s a rewarding experience to listen to people’s visions and bring them to life to create lasting memories.” With some of his most notable commissioned installations being at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Harbor Light Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Norm describes his artistic method as “freestyle.” He elaborates, “I go to the things that make me feel good. I enjoy nature scenes with flowers and beautiful beaches and visions of relaxation, like ladies drinking wine on the beach. I’m also drawn to things slightly out of the ordinary, like mermaids with sunglasses and smiling giraffes.” With an innate ability to translate meaning and memory into glass, Norm focuses on each project as if it is the only undertaking of his lifetime. With panel styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, Norm brings his keen sense of craftsmanship and emotive rapport to the eclectic ambience of High Tide Gallery’s new St. George Street location. Recently, he has dedicated all his time and energy to his collection within its vibrant walls. “I joined High tide Gallery in 2019, at the Island location,” he reflects. “Sherri and Kerry have taken the gallery to a whole new level. Their passion to create a beautiful downtown space has allowed the artists to proudly and tastefully display the fruits of our talents.” Much more than a creative outlet, Norm views his artistic medium as a language of light. “My mission is to invite viewers to pause, reflect, and feel their own journeys refracted in the color and form of stained glass,” he emphasizes. With a deep sense of accomplishment and contentment in the creative life he has led, Norm tips his hat to those who have helped him along the way. “My humble beginnings flourished through encouragement and determination,” he concludes. “I am honored to be associated with such a progressive operation as High Tide Gallery. I hope to be a member of their family for many years to come.”