History

While pondering names for my business, I wanted to invoke the thoughts nature, how I want to use nature, and how I am inspired by nature. WhollyTerra combines 'wholly,' meaning entire or, in this case, involve all, and the term 'terra,' earth or land. I try to incorporate this into everything I create.

The majority of my work is about experimentation. Not only am I creating but, I am learning. I work with recycled glass in many different ways; always trying to develop techniques that will be used in other aspects of my future and present art.

The stained glass picture frames and recycled windows served as a foundation for all that I make now. Birdhouses and bird feeders, sushi plates and desk lamps, transom windows and window hangings, sinks, chandeliers and pendant lights are now part of my expanding repertoire. I am proud that all of my pieces are unique and demonstrate my growth as an artist.

It is important to me that I use as much recycled materials as possible for each piece--WhollyTerra. I enjoy and take pride in knowing that I am using materials that someone would not traditionally consider art. This is my small gesture to show people that there is always new potential in everything.

WhollyTerra began as a hobby on my girlfriends' dining room table nine years ago. I was working full-time as a graphic designer, but this hobby was another outlet for my creativity. My girlfriend and I made picture frames for friends as gifts. After some convincing from those same friends, I started a small craft business and prepared stained glass picture frames, candleholders, and recycled windows for craft shows. My first show was so successful that I proposed to my girlfriend that night!

It was also during this time that I decided to start my own graphic design business. Little did I know that my plans would drastically change as September 2001 came and went. Suddenly acquiring clients for the graphic design business didn't seem important or fulfilling. My hobby and small craft business became a full-time reality at the age of 29.

From dining room table to the basement of my house in Hampden to the Clipper Industrial Mill and finally, in 2004, to my current location at 3406 Chestnut Avenue, Whollyterra has found a permanent home. Whollyterra has found a home.

Each year, I officially "open" my studio for the holiday season when the "Miracle on 34th Street" turns on their lights each Thanksgiving weekend. Please stop in during that time and every Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm during the year.

Directions

Wholly Terra
3406 Chestnut Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21211
steve@whollyterra.com
410.446.1093

I 83 to Coldspring Lane East
Right onto Falls Road
Left onto West 36th Street
Right onto Chestnut Avenue
Travel 3 blocks on the right side

Hours

On vacation August 10th thru the 22nd
Friday 11-7 and Saturday 11-4
or by appointment.