February Moonwalk - Arts and Hearts

Aspen Light Glass Studio & Gallery will be participating in the February Moonwalk on Feb 13th ,4 - 7 pm.  We will be featuring wines from Mountain View Winery in Olathe and Chocolate Truffles from Gus' Chocolates from Ouray.  Join us for a wonderful Valentine's evening of art, hearts, wine and chocolate.

Ornaments, etc...

It is that time of year again when all happy glass artists immerse themselves in Holiday craft.  And to that end, I have been crafting tree ornaments, candle holders, etc.. in preparation for the holiday rush.  This is a sample of this year's ornament designs and they have been so much to make.  Working with the 4" round base in white and clear and have really expanded the design possibility. 

Tonight, Tonight, won't be just any night..

This is it--Grand Opening Day!  If you are in and around Ridgway, CO tonight, stop in for great True Grit hors d'oeuvres and Mountain View Wine!  Nothing like local food, libation and art glass!

Frit Painting Collage - First to Final Fire

From first to final fire...

Following first "background wash fire" with second layer of glass applied then fired

Second background layer and base structures applied

Full frit and all structures built, ready for final fire

Completed piece

Frit Painting - Building with Dimension and Structure

Panel after "background wash" firing and thin glass overlay applied

Panel with second layer of fine frit applied and background structures added

This will be the first wall frit painting I will have done since moving the studio.  It will be for the grand opening and then will move to the Ridgway Library for exhibit from November to January.  Now that I can look out my window and see the Cimarron Peaks and drive up the road a bit and gaze at Mt. Sneffels, it is so much easier to get the shadows and highlights true on the mountains.  Sometimes you just have to be able to see the real thing to understand its true architecture.  The brown box is the base layer of the cabin that will be built in 1/2 rods and noodles at the final step.

This is a method that I have devised--actually it is a blending of several different methods--where I not only apply frit for color and shadow, but build dimension through the layering of sheet glass and replicating natural and man-made structures using stringer, noodles, vitrigraph and cut glass as the focal points.  A former glass instructor insisted that we not just learn how to do frit work, but to develop one's own style and technique through experimentation.  Finally, finally, I think I have a developed a style that is uniquely mine.

Grand Opening Reception - Oct 11

Getting Ready to Open...

I am doing all the prep work for the gallery opening this Monday.  Unfortunately, I cut my hand to the bone last night in a "glass accident" and am all bandaged up today.  It better heal fast because much glass is waiting to be cut and fused.  Such is life--maybe I should slow down a little....

Gallery Set to Open Monday, September 2nd

The day has arrived.  Ron and I plan to open the gallery on Labor Day, September 2nd.  Finishing more glass and the kitchen ceiling this weekend so we can be ready for the big day.  The gallery will then be open on fall hours through October.  We further plan to have the big Grand Opening Gala on mid-October.  We will announce the date later in September.

"Picasso" Jewelry

 

This is an example of the "Picasso"method of jewelry design (Tanya Veit).  It is made by full fusing dicro face down, and then carving out Zentangle patterns with small diamond drill bits and a Dremel tool.  You then bevel the edges with the lap grinder and the fire polish to reestablish the glossy finish.  I will admit it does takes some practice, both finding a comfort level with Zentangle and developing a steady hand with the Dremel, but well worth it.  It really adds variety to my jewelry ensemble.

Yes--the jewelry...

For those that know me, I have repeatedly stated that I would not take on jewelry as part of my glass repertoire.  Yet, here I am making jewelry and actually having fun with it!  This is a sample of my current line--a men's bolo tie and matching belt.  As many glass creatives know, jewelry sells, period.  So in order to have a fully balanced gallery set up, jewelry had to introduced to my line and I am glad it did.