Fusing Glass is the perfect mix of art and science.
The inspiration for my glass work often comes from the glass itself. I love how glass is such a construction-type medium to work with and I am able to transform sheet glass into wonderfully tactile and aesthetic artworks. I am inspired by the qualities and vibrant colours of the glass especially with the interplay of light through transparent glass. I enjoy creating pieces that are both functional and fun. Colour and texture are important in my work. My range of kiln formed glass is constantly evolving as the endless combinations of elements reveal new ideas.
As a scientist, medic, artist and lover of colour and light; finding an ability to manipulate glass into objects from a home studio was life changing. The specialist glass comes predominantly in the form of 3 mm sheets in a wide range of transparent and opaque colours. These can be cut and combined in an infinite number of ways that are then heated in a kiln to temperatures between 700 and 850 degrees celsius often over periods of more than 20 hours. The glass sheets melt together to form a solid piece of thicker multifaceted glass. The glass can be “cold-worked” to grind and shape it using diamond tools and grinding grit at any point during this process. These glass pieces can be cut, reassembled and refused as many times as needed to create the desired glass piece. It then can be shaped using more heat in the kiln.
Kiln Forming Process
Each item is made up of multiple glass pieces either as glass sheet or a previously created glass elements. The relationship between these elements is never exactly the same in each piece so that each item is unique in its own way. The glass is cut and assembled cold, heated in the kiln up to 800 degrees and then cooled over several hours. A single piece may take several firings to achieve the final colour combination and shape. It could spend 20 - 40 hours in total in the kiln to achieve the desired item. Finally, it is hand finished with diamond abrasives to ensure a high quality finish.
Textured Finish
Smooth Surface
.