J. R. Hooper was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. In 1998, he was introduced to Glass Artistry, and has been a self-taught Glass Junkie ever since.

One of only a handful of glass artists who still make miniature marbles by hand, he has quickly gained international recognition for his tiny contributions to the craft.

He now lives with his wife, Beckie and their three children, Taylor, Alex, and Stephanie in Leicester, NC.