I’ve always liked glass. It really is my favorite medium. There are just SO many things you can do with it. The first glass work I did was in mosaics. Back then, I used broken glass because I didn’t even know how to cut glass yet!
About twenty years after I graduated from high school, I decided to go to the local community college and take a night course or two each semester. The class that changed everything was a class in glass blowing. I loved working with hot glass but most of the work I really admired was kiln-formed. In Central Pennsylvania, the best way to learn those techniques is on-line. So I bought a tiny little kiln that I operated in my kitchen and did a ton of experimenting.
Before glass, I sewed a lot of quilts. If you think about it, that transition is not so big. Instead of fabric, I now cut up glass and reassemble it by fusing or grouting it. I pick up ideas from fabric prints, and architecture, especially modern. A lot of bowls are just a loose interpretation of a neat building or furniture that I saw somewhere. Nature inspires me, mostly water. I love the ocean. I am constantly trying to copy waves or ripples in water patterns.
My artist’s statement…….. “Matching is boring.” That’s what my Grandma always told me and I think she’s right.
DO YOU DO CUSTOM WORK?
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HOW ABOUT COST?
Pricing varies, of course. Generally, a twelve inch bowl is around $125. A nineteen inch bowl starts around $300. Some of the things that make the cost more or less are the time it takes, the number of firings, and the materials that go into it. A mosaic that is done with a lot of large pieces will cost far less than one with bunches of tiny pieces. Some colors cost me more when I buy them. I can usually work with ANY budget. I can suggest things that would lower your cost.
DO YOU SHIP?
Yes! My day job is at the Post Office. I know how to pack glass. So far, I have had no casualties.
ARE THESE BOWLS FOOD SAFE?
Most of the manufacturers will say their glass is food safe when they sell it. But they have no idea what an artist will do with their glass after it is sold. There are metals included in the glass when fired. I say that it is art and meant for display only.
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR THIS GLASS?
Mild detergent or window cleaner is the best way to clean them. Never use abrasives. Never put this glass in the microwave, dishwasher or oven. The worst thing for this glass is fast temperature change.
