Sunday, September 30, 2007

Intimacy - Time & Temperature

To work with glass successfully it is essential to understand the intimate play of time and temperature. Together they create a work energy the enables one to achieve specific results. I must understand this relationship to know how it will impact my piece. If I focus on just time or just temperature, without understanding the gentle balance, the entire process will fail often in dramatic fashion. The intimate relationship between the two is a conversation, for which I provide the direction.
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Friday, September 28, 2007

Late Night Introspection

I am not what I should be, want or dream to be. But then again, nor am I what I was. Where does this leave me? In transition, between whom I was and who I will be.
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"Self-transformation is precisely what life is..." RM Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
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Monday, September 24, 2007

□ ■ □ Square □ ■ □

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This 10 inch square plate incorporates a square piece of copper mesh that is anything but square.
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Monday, September 17, 2007

I heard the voice of angles

Last night I had the privilege of being present at a performance by Itzhak Perlman with the San Antonio Symphony. The symphony first performed Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92. This was followed by Beethoven's Concerto in D major for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 61 performed with Itzhak Perlman. I was... and still am amazed at the sweet sounds that emanated from his violin. For the brief time during which he played I found myself transported. My mind wandered not in distraction but in almost a meditative state of peace and tranquility. I am truly grateful for having been provided the opportunity to attend this event. It was inspiring.
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San Antonio a city rich in history and culture has, at times, struggled to sustain its' symphony. For this reason I was equally excited to see a sold out theater truly appreciate the performance presented to them. I hope events such as this continue to infuse enthusiasm into the community to return with equal vigor for future performances. Interested? You can see a full 2007 - 2008 San Antonio Symphony Classical and Pops schedule online at http://www.sasymphony.org/.
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Saturday, September 15, 2007

Great Resources

I thought you might find it enjoyable or helpful to peruse some of the resources I refer back to time and again for information and inspiration when working with glass.
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Contemporary Warm Glass by Brad Walker
Read it once cover to cover then keep it handy because it’s a great resource to refer back to. You may also want to check out the inforamtion available at warmglass.com.

Fused Glass Art and Technique by Richard La Londe
This is a lovely book full of information on everything from history to technique. It is absolutely amazing the amount of information Richard La Londe shares in this book and it’s all done beautifully.
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Kiln Firing Glass - Glass Fusing Book One
by Boyce Lundstrom
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Lettering on glass by Charmian Mocatta
Not a fusing book at all but great information regarding etching, sandblasting and beveling. Check out pages 44 and 45 to see one of my favorite artists Denise Brown an absolutely fabulous calligrapher who has taken to working on glass.

Color a Natural History of the Palette by Victoria Finlay
Is an ideal book for painters who want to better understand color and its’ deep history but a fascinating read for any artist.

The Complete Color Harmony
by Tina Sutton and Bride M. Whelan
This is a great tool to assist with color selection for any project from painting the house to a specific piece of art.
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Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Limited Palette

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When working with others I have often noticed the colors they pull for their work are similar to the colors they are wearing. Do we put on that red dress when we feel bold or do we feel bold because we are wearing a red dress? I suspect the impact flows in both directions.
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My color choices as well have swung from one end of the spectrum to another depending on mood. But when the pendulum comes to stop in the center, I always seem to return to this limited palette of jewel tones. I wrap myself in these colors to fall asleep at night and wear them to work during the day. Each summer I look forward to the stains these cherries will leave on my lips. And on foggy mornings, I sometimes find myself staring intently at the honey on my spoon before letting it melt into a cup of hot tea. These colors just relax and enchant me.
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Friday, September 7, 2007

Thanks for the Inspiration

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“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
Anton Chekhov
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Well over a year ago my cousin included this quote in an encouraging email she sent me. I wonder if she had any idea the inspiration it would be. It has stayed on my mind, my thoughts often returning to its’ poetic play of light on glass. Thank you, Catherine.
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It is a shame that online I can not share with you the shift in color of the iridized glass or the feel your fingers pick up when they run across small pieces of frit along the surface. These are my favorite parts.
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Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Happy Birthday My Friend

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I enjoy giving handmade gifts that will be remembered. I made this fine silver pendent with Lorie's first initial and strung it with Quartz, Carnelian and glass beads. This year each one of my girlfriends, in this group, received a similar necklace. Although the pendents were similar the necklaces themselves were all strung differently depending on what I thought suited them best. Some had pearls, others jade or onyx. In this way the gift was unique to each them. This is the last of them. Enjoy it my friend and Happy Birthday.
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