Fused or kiln-formed glass are interchangeable terms that generally refer to glass that has been manipulated by extreme temperatures within a kiln. Different fragments, shards and powders of glass that are known to be “compatible” (having similar coefficient rates of expansion) are cut and arranged within the kiln and heated to a slightly fluid consistency. The heated glass is then allowed to “soak” and bond into itself before being cooled at a slow, controlled rate to relieve internal stresses. This process has become wildly popular in recent years and can yield a variety of cast textures, color combinations and contemporary stylings.
While primarily use a traditional lead came technique to construct my Stained Glass Panels, I often incorporate copper foil, sandblasting, kiln-work, torch-work, image transfers and hand painted/stained elements. The process generally begins with a series of sketches, which eventually become a cartoon (SG lingo for an exact full size working drawing). The cartoon is then used as a template to hand cut each individual piece of glass and arrange them for layout. If any staining, painting, kiln-work or etching is required it happens at this stage. Next the glass pieces are assembled within a matrix of lead came (grooved metal strips much like tiny I-beams) which is eventually soldered at each intersection or “joint”. The soldered window is then “puttied” using a linseed oil putty or cement to lend the window strength and create a weatherproof seal. Finally, after attaching any necessary reinforcement and a detailed series of cleanings, the window is complete and ready for installation/delivery.
Mixed media is a term used to describe artworks composed from a combination of different media or materials. In my case, I use a variation of Acrylic Mediums, Collage and Kiln-formed Glass mounted on cradled art board.
Assemblage is art that is made by joining disparate elements into unexpected sculptural objects and compositions. The technique often incorporates found imagery and salvaged everyday objects. Picasso's 3 dimensional cubist constructions, the Dadaist's "Ready Mades" and the work of Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg from the 1950'5 and 60's are all examples of this technique.
I cut my first piece of glass in 1996, I fused my first project in 1998 and I began painting on glass in 2002. This website represents a fraction of the glasswork i have created throughout the past twenty-five plus years.
We are each influenced by the beautiful strangeness surrounding us, each by our individual encounters, everything we see, read, hear or experience. By the lives we lead, the conversations we share and the people we meet. I find my inspiration in the abundance of love and the absurdities of life. By smokey Sadhu sunsets, my grandmother’s enchiladas, foot bridges in Vermont, my amazing wife and my beautiful son. I am inspired by the textures and patterns of the natural world, by spontaneity and intuition. By open roads, unknown horizons, intimate spaces and vast stretches of wilderness. The laugh of children, a stranger’s smile, the roar of thunder and the screams of wild peacocks. By dirty history and clean knowledge, vagabond bliss and domestic equanimity, movement, kindness, quite minds, bold actions and odd silent moments.
I'd love to hear from you, I am happy to answer general art glass questions. Due to previous obligations I will not be taking on new commissions at the moment. I am currently considering commissions to schedule in 2022. If I am unable to help with your art glass needs, I'm confident I could steer you to a craftsman who can.
The Mesa Arts Center is a cultural hub in the heart of Mesa AZ. There are four performance venues, the renown Mesa Contemporary Art Museum and state of the art classroom studios dedicated to Ceramics, Metals/Sculpture, Painting/Print Making and Glass. We offer a variety of stained glass, fusing and mosaic classes year round.