Molten Lace

Medium Description

This fragile glass piece has been made with ground speciality glass (frit). 

Artist Description

Ground glass (frit), kiln fired and sculpted glass

This sculptural vase begins as finely crushed glass, carefully hand-layered onto a specially prepared kiln shelf until it reaches approximately one-half inch in thickness. While the glass is still unfired, I create a pattern of openings by pressing holes into the surface. As the kiln slowly reaches temperature, the glass softens and flows outward, transforming these indentations into the delicate lace-like openings that define the piece.

After the individual forms are created, two separate glass elements are positioned on a stainless steel mold. During a second kiln firing, gravity and heat gently shape the glass while fusing the pieces together at their base, creating a seamless, organic vessel.

The result is a sculpture that appears both fragile and strong—its flowing form and intricate perforations reminiscent of flower petals, coral, or lace shaped by nature. Every opening, curve, and contour is created through the movement of molten glass, making each piece entirely one of a kind.