Biography

One candle can light a thousand more

I have been blowing glass for 19 years now. Taking classes and working with artists around the country, has brought a deep appreciation for the artistic process. Every artist has a unique approach that is as fascinating to me as the end product. Each peice that I create begins with a spark. It may be informed by work of other artists or simply the colors I observe on a hike. I usually try to sketch the idea in a notebook, for most ideas need refinement before they come into fruition. 

A day in the studio starts with me turning on my torch. This specially designed piece of equipment from Germany that projects a flame. Think of a welding torch that has a rocket engine on it. This flame envelopes the borosilicate glass and causes it to melt at about 2,300 F. Constant spinning of the glass is required to keep the glass from dripping as it becomes the consistency of warm honey. Gravity causes the glass to fall as I tip it in different directions and air is blown into the glass to inflate it. A combination of heat, air and gravity form the different shapes. Different colors are added to the glass throughout this process. The glass colors come in rods. Each glass is a combination of different metals that allow specific wave lengths of light be reflected or transmitted, causing a myriad of colors and effects to be perceived from a single glass object. When I am finished with the glass piece, it is placed into a 1050 F kiln and slowly cooled in a controlled manner. This insures the glass remains strong and durable. 

The next day, the glass is cold enough to touch. It is removed from the kiln and ready to be photographed. Photographing the glass is a difficult task. Glass reflects the light from the space it is in. It's alluring properties become a trial of patients to capture a photo that represents the three-dimensional aspects and it's intricacies of color. 

Each piece represents years of dedication and many long days attempting to peel back the secrets of the magic material. I am deeply greatful for all the continued support and the opportunity to help bring beauty into so many people's lives.