
Hi, I’m Leia Shijie Guo (she/her)
As a photographer, I specialize in editorial work and branding sessions for small businesses, organizations, and creatives. As an interdisciplinary glass artist, my signature work combines the optical beauty of handblown glass with the magic of silver gelatin film photography. Whether I’m in on location at a shoot, in the darkroom, or in the hotshop, storytelling and community are at the heart of everything I do.
I graduated with honours at the Alberta University of the Arts in 2022 with a BFA in Glass, and will be continuing my studies there as a BDes in Photography through 2023. Some of my clients include the AUArts Students’ Association Show+Sale, the Calgary Horticultural Society, and CASSA Musical Arts. I have also displayed at both regional and international exhibitions with my fine artwork.
When I am not in my studio, I lead the Show+Sale program at the AUArts SA. On my off days, you can find me snuggling my cats Keith Urban and Geegee or cruising down Highway 22 with the windows down.
Photo Credit: Elisha Lozares
Glass + Photo
Creating Vitreoscapes
For me, the beauty of both glassmaking and photography comes from their ability to sculpt light and optics to create a sense of place and time. My fine art practice is centered on using the handblown glass I make in the hotshop to create sublime “vitreoscapes” in the darkroom with the silver gelatin and cyanotype processes. The vitreoscapes I create as an interdisciplinary artist are a love letter to Southern Alberta, the place I call home. Learn about my vitreoscapes below!