My art involves a printing process which employs my skills in drawing as well as fusing glass. I transfer my original drawings to glass via a lithographic process and permanently embed them within the glass.
I plan to purchase a larger kiln, the electrical wiring required for operation, and glass and other raw materials for my work. I will be able to work on a larger scale, collaborate with other artists specializing in different fields and mediums, host classes both in-studio and with the expertise of guest artists, and reach out to the community at large to educate them about glass as an art form.
I am developing one area of interest, collaborating with other artists to combine their techniques and processes with my own. One example of this is using silkscreen printing dry glass powder on to glass. The potential collaborative projects and the fusion of art processes are very exciting.
I am currently working on a series of drawings based on Ophelia from Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. Her drowning, whether accidental or purposeful, was beautiful. In life she was fluid, conforming to the expectations of family and society. In death she was at home, resting in her element.
![3 drawings]()
When working with kiln-formed glass, each firing cycle typically takes 12 hours, even for smaller work. Having multiple kilns will increase my productivity. They eliminate the waiting period and give me the ability to stagger the start times of each kiln or have different types of firings happening at the same time. It will enable me to work faster and empower me to achieve my artistic goals.
As a fine artist, I have participated in several art venues:
- Go Figure! A Juried Show at Great Hang Ups Gallery. Won "Best In Show". July 15 - August 2, 2012
- Art Walk, Guest Artist at Studio 121 Gallery. June 6, 2012
- Wilderness: Experiencing Sacred Lostness at Hendricks Ave. Baptist Church. March 14 - May 2, 2012
- Art Walk, Off the Grid Artist/Gallery owner at Elemental Gallery & Studio. October 2010 - October, 2011
- Riverside Arts Market Art Gallery, Artists & Assistant 2010-2011
- Imagination Squared artist at Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville. September 1, 2010
- Art Walk, Off the Grid Artist/Gallery owner at Bee Gallery. April - July, 2010
Budget
I am considering 3 options for kilns. The unknown variable would be the electrical work. I am allowing up to $500 for electrical and any remainder would go towards purchasing glass. The prices below are based on what is available at http://www.mudinmind.com.
Paragon GL-18ADTSD Glass Kiln - $2253.00
Paragon GL-24ADTSD Glass Kiln - $2995.00
Olympic GF514ETLC/240 or 208v - $2870
I use Bullseye Glass (http://www.bullseyeglass.com), which is some of the best fusing glass manufactured. Retail glass prices range from $42.90 to $160.60 per half sheet (17” x 20”). The variation in price is dependent on the target color and chemicals used in creating a that color.
Summing it up
I am always learning about myself and who I am as a fine artist. I believe I am at a point where I need to focus my work on what I love, rather than the expected. I want to explore and develop glass art that will incorporate light and color. I want the ability to collaborate and experiment with new ideas. Pushing myself creatively will keep me growing and learning.
Please tell your friends, coworkers and neighbors about my project. Sharing my project is as important as backing it. All I ask is that you do what you can.
And THANK YOU!
Best In Show:
![Best In Show, Ophelia Series I]()
Here is the artist I learned from, Carrie Iverson, demonstrating the process:
![Carrie Iverson]()
My work from the class:
![My class work.]()
