What you are looking at is melted glass. My glass technique was developed by closing myself up in my studio for months and experimenting with firing glass powder. I mix glass powder into a paste, a liquid, or carefully apply the dry powder to sheet glass. It is then fired in an electric kiln, using temperatures up to 1750 degrees fahrenheit where it fuses (melts) together. More glass is added, and the piece is fired again. Through several firings, layers dissolve into and around each other, and form wonderfully intriguing results. I love the textural possibilities of working with glass powder. I am fascinated by the movement of glass in the kiln and how different techniques and temperatures yield such a variety of textures. The mixing, blending of color, and application methods are boundless. The reaction of powder in the kiln can be anticipated and controlled (to a certain point) prior to firing, but it will often do what it pleases when left alone in the kiln. The grainy, jagged, scaly, or wrinkly surface that emerges from the kiln is sometimes a surprise, but again and again, I marvel at the beautiful behavior of glass.
Because the texture is so important in my artwork, it is not meant to be backlit or hung in a window. I mount my artwork on to panels (made by me) that are wood coated in iron, and rusted.
Because the texture is so important in my artwork, it is not meant to be backlit or hung in a window. I mount my artwork on to panels (made by me) that are wood coated in iron, and rusted.