It all starts with a beautiful sheet of glass. There are many types of glass that can be used for artwork or jewelry. The only rule as far as I know is to avoid mixing different types of glass, as it will cause the glass to break in the kiln. In principle you could use reclaimed glass from an old window.

I use Bullseye glass which comes in a variety of colours and effects, such as opaque, translucent, dichroic and iridescent glass. Materials such as metals can be added to create fantastic colours, patterns or structure.

I cut the glass into shapes to fit my design, and then fire the project for the first time in the kiln to fuse the layers of glass together. Most people working with glass use sophisticated firing routines. My kiln is of the more “vintage” kind. No fancy electronics to assist me. Just a manual thermostat to go by, my own timing and sheer luck. However, I find that I seldom have had troubles, although with some exceptions, and particularly for the larger projects. Protective gear is important at all times. It is often easy to forget that it is in fact razor sharp glass I am working with when I am pottering about. However, I have nearly cut my finger off reaching for a sheet of glass without wearing my gloves. Twice. I get distracted…

Dependent on my project, I may decide to slump the glass. This is done by using an object of metal or ceramics to give the fused piece of glass a  certain shape. Glass can be slumped over an object or inside an object. Heat and gravity works together in this process.

Opening the kiln after each firing must wait until the kiln has cooled down to room temperature, and usually I have to wait until the morning after. Every day is Christmas day when I work with glass. For what will I find when I open the kiln, glassCatastrophe or a finished product for glassPhilosophy?