Yes, inspiration finally arrives!
I have been in such a slump I thought it was never going to end.
We just finished a lovely road trip to Canada with a week stay in Banff. I heard it was a beautiful place and we have been to many beautiful state and national parks in the United States, but the sheer variety of landscapes we experiences was overwhelming. Many of the places we visited were indeed assume. You could go to one place for hours and see the lake, or mountain, or glacier and never view it the same way twice. The clouds, sun, shadows, even the wind changes the view. The colors of the lakes and rivers range from blues to greens, to aquamarine. Often these colors appeared in the same body of water in various degrees. These colors are due to the run of glaciers milk. The ground up rock and soil mixes with the glacier's melted waters.
The shifts in the landscape is are so beautiful that words fail to describe what I saw. Because I was sure I could not remember all the colors, I took massive amounts of photos. I do not usually do this, but I wanted to capture the scenes that nature provided so freely.
I am going to develop a series of work using the colors I found so inspiring. I will try a reproduce some of the water colors in my pieces. I don't know if they will be useful or decorative art pieces or wearable art. The first thing I need to do is find the right pieces of glass and glass paints. I may, also, use special photo paper that I can copy some of the images I have and fuse it between glass.
This trip was as good as taking a fuse glass class for inspiration and for recharging a part of me that has been neglected for way too long.
Flower Vase
Monday, October 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Clocks
Clocks, everyone has them. Big and noisy, small and pretty, practical and elegant. So why am I talking about clocks? Well, I was asked to make a fused glass clock for a teenager. They wanted a gift that was unusual and useful yet something a guy could use in his room and not be just another teenage thing. I asked about his likes and found out he was into sports and the colors he favored were blue and black. Also, he likes geometric patterns. That covered a lot of sporting team colors so I used a white for the base color and designed three clocks.
I set off to make abstract face plates for his timeless gift. Now the glass part was easy. Drilling a hole was not. So I decided to make my design leaving an opening in the center. I would learn to perfect my glass drilling later when it was warmer. Drilling glass is messy and very wet. Not something I wanted to do outside this spring. Anyway, the fusing came together rather well.
On to the clock assembly. That was the last step. Have you ever used a clock movement kit? It is not as easy as it looks. Everything is small and wants to slip away from the glass. And it took many tries to discover how tight was just right so that the hands moved without slipping.
Finally the first one is done and working. Had to wait to see if it kept accurate time. On to the other two. I really expected the next assemblies to be easier now that I knew what to do. Not! The size of the holes were slightly different and the thickness of the glass was different. A little glass filing and a washer solved the new problems.
Three new fused glass clocks. Now, how to pack them without bending the hands during transportation. Figured that out and finished with bubble wrap and boxed them up.
I hand delivered then and the black and red design was chosen. I have heard that he liked the clock. Boys are so hard to buy for and I was happy I had a satisfied customer.
By the way, I delivered these clocks to Ashland Oregon. Don't expect me to provide this type of service all the time, but if I also get a great trip to Oregon I just might.
I set off to make abstract face plates for his timeless gift. Now the glass part was easy. Drilling a hole was not. So I decided to make my design leaving an opening in the center. I would learn to perfect my glass drilling later when it was warmer. Drilling glass is messy and very wet. Not something I wanted to do outside this spring. Anyway, the fusing came together rather well.
On to the clock assembly. That was the last step. Have you ever used a clock movement kit? It is not as easy as it looks. Everything is small and wants to slip away from the glass. And it took many tries to discover how tight was just right so that the hands moved without slipping.
Finally the first one is done and working. Had to wait to see if it kept accurate time. On to the other two. I really expected the next assemblies to be easier now that I knew what to do. Not! The size of the holes were slightly different and the thickness of the glass was different. A little glass filing and a washer solved the new problems.
Three new fused glass clocks. Now, how to pack them without bending the hands during transportation. Figured that out and finished with bubble wrap and boxed them up.
I hand delivered then and the black and red design was chosen. I have heard that he liked the clock. Boys are so hard to buy for and I was happy I had a satisfied customer.
By the way, I delivered these clocks to Ashland Oregon. Don't expect me to provide this type of service all the time, but if I also get a great trip to Oregon I just might.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
No Idle Hands This March
My hands are leisure blue. What a misnomer. I should complain to the paint designers. No, the paint namers. I am almost done with the painting and I should stop grumbling because it looks great so far. The paint is easy, cleans well and does not stink like paints of old. As I have been working I have been visualizing where the pottery is going. I already tried out 6 of Eric's fabulous blue vases and pots and they look good on the shelves. He has not thrown pots in a long time and I am happy we did not give away all of these special blue pottery pieces. This shade of blue turned out to be an accidental outcome when they were fired in a communal kiln. Some of my fused glass has been assigned space too. There will be other artist glass up too. There will still be lots of space for our books in the larger area. The smaller section behind the desk will hold all the paper, supplies and stuff in holders and baskets. The end result should be a less cluttered room. The current dreaded C word. Clutter!!!
I am going to have some help soon adding photos here of my more recent glass creations and maybe a few of the bookcase. The pictures will be before the glass doors and after. The last of the finishing molding and fittings and hardware will not happen until the end of May.
More work to do so I can start to use the bookcases next week.
I am going to have some help soon adding photos here of my more recent glass creations and maybe a few of the bookcase. The pictures will be before the glass doors and after. The last of the finishing molding and fittings and hardware will not happen until the end of May.
More work to do so I can start to use the bookcases next week.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Glass Touch
The built in bookcases are coming along smoothly. Yesterday we make decisions about the placement and type of molding and finishing on the edges. Exploring our options at Home Depot was fun. The big surprise was the selection of wood we looked at. The wood was the best I have seen there. Straight in good shape, clean, and very few knots. The real construction began today.
While designing the specific needs of this project I decided to make my own glass knobs on the double doors being made. In 2 of the picture frame style door sets I am going to put art glass inserts.. And on the top of one surface area I am going to put down a glass top.
I do not want a full sheet of glass, because it is easier to break and I know that using smaller pieces and setting them in place like ceramic tiles will be stronger and cheaper. Creating a mosaic look to complement the doors is the way to go. I checked out Delphi's weekly email offerings and they are now supplying bags of colored glass tiles 1/2" and 5/8" sizes. This will make my project so much easier. Now all I have to do is decide on the blue/gray color I want, buy my paints and go to work.
Being a glass artist who believes that glass art can and should be artistic and functional at the same time means that I need to see my product in my home too. Not just in my studio. And not just in my customers homes.
Now what other rooms need my glass touch? Bathroom? Kitchen? We'll see.
While designing the specific needs of this project I decided to make my own glass knobs on the double doors being made. In 2 of the picture frame style door sets I am going to put art glass inserts.. And on the top of one surface area I am going to put down a glass top.
I do not want a full sheet of glass, because it is easier to break and I know that using smaller pieces and setting them in place like ceramic tiles will be stronger and cheaper. Creating a mosaic look to complement the doors is the way to go. I checked out Delphi's weekly email offerings and they are now supplying bags of colored glass tiles 1/2" and 5/8" sizes. This will make my project so much easier. Now all I have to do is decide on the blue/gray color I want, buy my paints and go to work.
Being a glass artist who believes that glass art can and should be artistic and functional at the same time means that I need to see my product in my home too. Not just in my studio. And not just in my customers homes.
Now what other rooms need my glass touch? Bathroom? Kitchen? We'll see.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday the 13Th
Friday the 13Th was never a bad day for me. In fact 13 is a good number. You get 13 with a bakers dozen. I was once in a class of 13. I signed the final papers on a house on February 13Th a number of years ago. And today my built in book cases will be started and finished by Sunday.
I know, what does this have to do with my glass you ask? Well, I am going to use some of the book cases in use now in my studio. This week has been very fruitful. I have been looking at necklace easels and jewelry display pieces and I had decided where I was going to buy them, when "bob and bob" sent out an email announcement that after 26 years they were closing their gift/book store. I needed to see the owners and while there I arranged to buy their jewelry display materials. The easel colors are light blue and rose. My fused glass will show up very well on these soft colors. I also, now, have some new clear plastic holders for earrings and some soft black half rounds for bracelets. The timing was great for me. I am glad I took so long deciding what and where to buy the displays I needed. And I love having a part of "bob and bob" with me, because I worked in the store from 1985 to 1995 and always thought that at some time I would work there sometime in the future. It is a loss to the Jewish community that we will not have Ellen and Shirley as our heart beat, but I know their spirit and caring will live in our hearts and memory.
I know, what does this have to do with my glass you ask? Well, I am going to use some of the book cases in use now in my studio. This week has been very fruitful. I have been looking at necklace easels and jewelry display pieces and I had decided where I was going to buy them, when "bob and bob" sent out an email announcement that after 26 years they were closing their gift/book store. I needed to see the owners and while there I arranged to buy their jewelry display materials. The easel colors are light blue and rose. My fused glass will show up very well on these soft colors. I also, now, have some new clear plastic holders for earrings and some soft black half rounds for bracelets. The timing was great for me. I am glad I took so long deciding what and where to buy the displays I needed. And I love having a part of "bob and bob" with me, because I worked in the store from 1985 to 1995 and always thought that at some time I would work there sometime in the future. It is a loss to the Jewish community that we will not have Ellen and Shirley as our heart beat, but I know their spirit and caring will live in our hearts and memory.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Strange things happen
Just when life seem to be quieting down and the weather is warming up all factors perfect for studio activity, I can't cut glass for a while. Who knew that a new eyeglass prescription would distort my perception. Mine did and it is throwing depth and angles off. I need to ease into wearing them full time. It may take up to two weeks. Good news is that I can read great and I have new frames, so all is not bad.
I am not going to waste this time though. I mentioned in a previous post that our family room was being redone. I did not expect to start till after President's weekend. I will be packing up my family room this weekend and getting it ready to repaint after 15 years and add new bookcases. I am having cabinet door frames made and I will be adding art glass inserts. I will have them cut to size for me. After I pick out the wall color I can decide on the glass colors. I have a nice lemony/straw yellow now and the colors for 2009 are yellows and purples. So I will look at the new yellows and maybe paint the bookcases a blue/gray that can pick up the other colors in the room. I'm not designing in my studio, but my family room is a perfect challenge right now. Now, if I got paid for my family room make over that would be perfect.
I am not going to waste this time though. I mentioned in a previous post that our family room was being redone. I did not expect to start till after President's weekend. I will be packing up my family room this weekend and getting it ready to repaint after 15 years and add new bookcases. I am having cabinet door frames made and I will be adding art glass inserts. I will have them cut to size for me. After I pick out the wall color I can decide on the glass colors. I have a nice lemony/straw yellow now and the colors for 2009 are yellows and purples. So I will look at the new yellows and maybe paint the bookcases a blue/gray that can pick up the other colors in the room. I'm not designing in my studio, but my family room is a perfect challenge right now. Now, if I got paid for my family room make over that would be perfect.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Various Musings
Various musings just about covers the thoughts that have been mixing in my head this week. I was disappointed that I did not sell anything on the 17Th. I enjoyed the end results of the raffle I chaired that day. I enjoyed having my friend Lonnie help me with the raffle. We made the most money ever for "Next Door" and people were happy with the new raffle style. My friend Nancy had a successful day selling her foods to all the vendors, dancers, and guest. I hope she caters at the MEDCA events again. And the dancing was very good and this year they had the most attendance ever. Over 350 tickets sold!! Palo Alto is the right place to hold their winter event.
Then the week continued with our monthly art critique meeting. I brought 7 of the framed fused hand painted hamsas and henna designs. I got really good feed back on the styles and a few suggestions for improvements about presentation and how to make them more of an art piece rather than just small individual framed pieces.
The next day I stopped over at "bob and bob" in Los Altos. It was upsetting and so sad. Even though I never worked at the new store I felt a great sense of loss at the store's impending closing. They have been in business for 26 years and I had the wonderful opportunity to work for Ellen and Shirley for 10 years at the Forest Avenue location in Palo Alto. I went back on Sunday and bought a lot of necklace easels, jewelry display trays and various holders that I can use with my fused glass Dichroic jewelry.
I am starting a new project. Adding built in bookcases in out family/living room. They will have the regular shelves and doors, but I am going to have custom art glass inserted in a few of the door frames. After the frames are made and attached I will add the glass in a color that will compliment the new paint and remodeled room. It will update our home and give us added display and storage space. I need to have space to show off my glass along with the pottery and glass we have collected over the years. I hope to have everything done by the end of February. The hard part is packing everything up and deciding what to keep and where to place them on the finished shelves.
Then the week continued with our monthly art critique meeting. I brought 7 of the framed fused hand painted hamsas and henna designs. I got really good feed back on the styles and a few suggestions for improvements about presentation and how to make them more of an art piece rather than just small individual framed pieces.
The next day I stopped over at "bob and bob" in Los Altos. It was upsetting and so sad. Even though I never worked at the new store I felt a great sense of loss at the store's impending closing. They have been in business for 26 years and I had the wonderful opportunity to work for Ellen and Shirley for 10 years at the Forest Avenue location in Palo Alto. I went back on Sunday and bought a lot of necklace easels, jewelry display trays and various holders that I can use with my fused glass Dichroic jewelry.
I am starting a new project. Adding built in bookcases in out family/living room. They will have the regular shelves and doors, but I am going to have custom art glass inserted in a few of the door frames. After the frames are made and attached I will add the glass in a color that will compliment the new paint and remodeled room. It will update our home and give us added display and storage space. I need to have space to show off my glass along with the pottery and glass we have collected over the years. I hope to have everything done by the end of February. The hard part is packing everything up and deciding what to keep and where to place them on the finished shelves.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New Designs Are Ready
My new designs are ready for the Gala Showcase on Saturday. I really like the hand painted designs I made for the variety of dancers attending. I think there are styles I am bringing that represents many of the cultures that the dancing community people will recognize. The vendors I have visited at past events while heavy in costumes and accessories, also, have some art from countries like Egypt and India. So, I think my hand painted glass will fit in well as a speciality item. Because, what I am selling is different from the normal vending at this dance event, I am going to be a a square peg in a round hole. It will be great if this takes off. Then I can travel to other dance shows in the Bay Area or maybe other businesses would like to carry my work.
I am doing double duty on Saturday. I am selling and I am in charge of the Raffle. The tables are together or I would not be able to do this again this year. All the vendors make a donation and all proceeds go to Next Door in San Jose. A non profit organization providing solutions to domestic violence.
Remember. it is not too late for me to send you coupons for reduced admission by email.
I am doing double duty on Saturday. I am selling and I am in charge of the Raffle. The tables are together or I would not be able to do this again this year. All the vendors make a donation and all proceeds go to Next Door in San Jose. A non profit organization providing solutions to domestic violence.
Remember. it is not too late for me to send you coupons for reduced admission by email.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Is it 2009 Already ???
The holiday shows, party's, and celebrations were great. Spent time with friends and family. Kicked back and recharged. Should have done lots of work type stuff, and I didn't. Wish I did at least work on my next show which is coming up on January 17.
I am a vendor at the "2009 Gala Showcase" presented by SF/BA MEDCA. It is the Peninsula's Only Bellydance Festival. If you are interested visit their site listed on the bottom left on this page.
I am presenting a variety of glass paintings with designs from India, Egypt, Persia, and Israel. This style of art is in the upper left hand corner of my blog. Look for the framed hand. It is a Hamsa. Many cultures have a variation of the hand and it is used to protect against evil. I guess I'm doing my part to protect the world.
So, instead of writing in my blog and keeping up to date I have been steadily working in my cold studio with a space heater. Kilns do not give off much heat during a firing. My selection is growing every day. It will be a spirited hot event next Saturday at the Cubberley Auditorium and I hope you can stop by. There is shopping, eating, dancing and more dancing.
My daughter will be dancing in the afternoon too. Look for her by her dance name, Zemira. If you want to come I can save you some money too. If you get in touch with me I will send you a coupon for an all day admission for the grand sum of only $7. The coupon can be copied, because everyone needs their own. See you there!
I am a vendor at the "2009 Gala Showcase" presented by SF/BA MEDCA. It is the Peninsula's Only Bellydance Festival. If you are interested visit their site listed on the bottom left on this page.
I am presenting a variety of glass paintings with designs from India, Egypt, Persia, and Israel. This style of art is in the upper left hand corner of my blog. Look for the framed hand. It is a Hamsa. Many cultures have a variation of the hand and it is used to protect against evil. I guess I'm doing my part to protect the world.
So, instead of writing in my blog and keeping up to date I have been steadily working in my cold studio with a space heater. Kilns do not give off much heat during a firing. My selection is growing every day. It will be a spirited hot event next Saturday at the Cubberley Auditorium and I hope you can stop by. There is shopping, eating, dancing and more dancing.
My daughter will be dancing in the afternoon too. Look for her by her dance name, Zemira. If you want to come I can save you some money too. If you get in touch with me I will send you a coupon for an all day admission for the grand sum of only $7. The coupon can be copied, because everyone needs their own. See you there!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Great " Finds" at the Gem Show
Wow, what a great day I had at the San Mateo Gem and Jewelry Show! It has been about 2 years since I attended. I went the day after Thanksgiving, because I needed more sterling silver necklaces and figured most people would be at the department stores. I was right, it was busy but not the mad house it can be.
Before I even made it to the wholesale section I found 2 booths I wanted to explore in depth. I had another goal in mind. Find sterling silver ring blanks and any other flat designed jewelry that I could use with my dichroic glass cabochons. I have not been satisfied with the selection offered by my current suppliers. When I mentioned what I was looking for, the sellers showed me more designs to choose from than I ever expected. There was nothing like this a few years back.
I now have rings sized 6 to 8 1/2 in different designs, solid sterling silver bracelets, many pendants, earrings, and a nice variety of findings to add interest with my fused glass jewels.
I kept finding what I needed in so many booths. I had a wealth of treasures to take back to the studio. What a day, full of surprises both the shopping kind and the people kind. I ran into a designer I know while we were searching for findings. Laura makes lovely beaded jewelry. And as I was working my way out of the show I met Shannon as she was leaving. Not only was she leaving the show, but she is leaving the area and moving to Orange County for a new job in a few weeks. I will miss our all too infrequent visits. After five hours at the show I was on my way home with all my new shiny silver.
This week I start working on new jewelry designs and a new line of hand painted Hamsa. More information about this new line later.
Before I even made it to the wholesale section I found 2 booths I wanted to explore in depth. I had another goal in mind. Find sterling silver ring blanks and any other flat designed jewelry that I could use with my dichroic glass cabochons. I have not been satisfied with the selection offered by my current suppliers. When I mentioned what I was looking for, the sellers showed me more designs to choose from than I ever expected. There was nothing like this a few years back.
I now have rings sized 6 to 8 1/2 in different designs, solid sterling silver bracelets, many pendants, earrings, and a nice variety of findings to add interest with my fused glass jewels.
I kept finding what I needed in so many booths. I had a wealth of treasures to take back to the studio. What a day, full of surprises both the shopping kind and the people kind. I ran into a designer I know while we were searching for findings. Laura makes lovely beaded jewelry. And as I was working my way out of the show I met Shannon as she was leaving. Not only was she leaving the show, but she is leaving the area and moving to Orange County for a new job in a few weeks. I will miss our all too infrequent visits. After five hours at the show I was on my way home with all my new shiny silver.
This week I start working on new jewelry designs and a new line of hand painted Hamsa. More information about this new line later.
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