How I Make My Water Glass. (4.15.20)

I do a lot of sharing on Instagram. Actually, following me there is THE best way to stay up to date with what I’m up to in the studio:) One of the many blessings is our studio is on our property — a separate building out back. Because of this, in spite of Covid-19, we (husband, artist Chris Craft and I) have been able to continue “making” during this unprecedented pandemic.

In the spirit of focusing on something OTHER than the loss and devastating impact of these times, I’m going to share some of my “water” glass studio/creating:)

I’m best known for my water glass rounds. (Usually wall-mounted.) Basically, I use heat and gravity to get the impression of abstracted moving water. Following is how — through many firings and steps — I make these:)

Most important for me is to start with an amazing glass product. This is Bullseye Glass (made in Portland, OR) which I often buy from Warm Glass in Clemmons, NC (near Winston-Salem). Bullseye Glass is GORGEOUS and I can fire it over and over. (Can even work with a glassblower to create new pieces!)

This is one of my clear rounds with pieces laid on top… I’m composing before firing.

I use Bullseye Glass “ball” molds a lot to cast my parts together for water glass rounds:)

Here’s one of my tables with gorgeous streaky sheets of glass cut into strips to be slumped. (Can also see negative glass on the left side… from other sheets that circles were cut from.)

Slumping strips to be combined later in future firings.

Adding frit and other small pieces to top before an additional firing. (This is why I’m actually “painting” with glass. I approach my glass work from a painter’s style of working;)

Here are small water glass rounds (finished?) in my studio while I’m deciding how far out from the wall each one will be. (I use the FABULOUS Hang Your Glass hanging hardware system:)