The play of light through glass is fascinating and has inspired me to create my fused glass designs. My favourite themes are those drawn from nature but it is the interaction between colours and light that always pulls me back to the kiln.
After a career in education, I strongly believe in lifelong learning and still love to experiment, exploring new skills and ideas. Creating fused glass is an addictive occupation and a great creative outlet. It is all about how the colours will react in the heat of the kiln and then afterwards in the sunlight. There are many different techniques to producing fused glass and lots of different types of glass to explore. Because of this, I find it a fascinating subject with endless possibilities. I enjoy cutting intricate shapes from sheets of glass which are then fired between 750 and 800 degrees C to fuse the pieces together. These are then fired for a second time on a ceramic mould to makes colourful, transparent bowls or beautiful decorative waves. I have been fusing glass for about six years, since I attended a summer school and was hooked on the first day. I have exhibited at Warwickshire Open Studios for a number of years.
I have recently been investigating how heating the glass to higher temperatures makes the glass run and creates more interesting patterns. This can be seen in my newest vases and stretch bowls.