Born in Washington, D.C., in 1949, and raised in Falls Church, Virginia, Richardson holds a B.A. from Boston University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard, all in Geology. Despite her scientific background, she found her true calling in the world of art. Cathy Richardson's artistic journey took a fascinating turn in the mid-1980s when she transitioned from a successful career as a geologist.

Cathy Richardson skillfully transforms the fluid and dynamic nature of glass into mesmerizing works of art. Drawing inspiration from water, Richardson's creations not only contain and surround objects but also magnify them, resulting in magical effects that captivate the eye and spark the imagination.

Her paperweights and marbles, crafted within the Touchstone Glass family business located in Winona, MN, showcase exquisite three-dimensional environments that reflect Richardson's meticulous attention to detail and lifelong love of nature. The collaborative effort involves her son, Colin, and her husband, Steve, bringing her designs to life with a dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Pictured above is one of Richardson's paperweights in process(right) and complete (left). Encasing the glass in crystal enhances visual effects, while engraving adds a personal touch and enriches the storytelling. Committed to longevity, her paperweights and marbles are not just artworks but timeless treasures crafted for a lifetime of enjoyment, seamlessly fusing geological insight, artistic vision, and the dynamic nature of glass.