When initial construction is complete, the glass is fired in an electric kiln to tempertures ranging from 1150 to 1500 degrees farenheit. Firing tempertures vary depend on the effect that is desired, the thickness and shape of the glass, the colors and powders used, and the shape of the glass. The glass is often assembled in stages and fired multiple times. A single firing can take anywhere from 12 to 40 hours. It is then cooled very slowly to relieve internal stress and ensure it strength over time. Some pieces are built up in many layers and some are fired to slump or drape them to a particular shape.
Many pieces are cold-worked after firing to achieve a final finish. Following the final finish, mounting hardware and stands are added as needed.
There are numerous techniques I use in creating my glass pieces….
· Modeling in clay and casting in glass
· Pot melts - where shards and small pieces of glass are mixed
and melted to form a pattern bar that will be cut up to use in other pieces
· Small amounts of torchwork with glass rods
·Glass sheets cut in desired shapes to which I apply additional pieces
cut to shape, glass rods or powdered glass for various constructions.
·Airbrush techniques with glass paint or enamels
·Stencil applications with powdered glass
