My Process

“Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.”

Vicki Corona 1989
George Carlin 2004
Maya Angelou 2009

Why do I do it?

Blowing glass is often compared to dancing and for good reason.  It is a choreographed sequence of steps that relies on precise timing and practiced movements but it also requires the skills and confidence to improvise at a moments notice. It can be done solo or with partners and is always better enjoyed with music. Watching someone else doing it well can be as exciting as doing it yourself. While it is physically demanding and can be emotionally draining, it is even harder to quit. I do not know how long my body will allow me to do this art form but I will enjoy every dance…bjr

“The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love colour the most.

John Ruskin, the Stones of Venice (1851)

How do I do it?

I think what draws people to my work is the color application. I appreciate that because it is a part of my process I love the most. In fact, setting up my colors and applying them hot, to melt in and then manipulate, takes at least one third of the total time to make a vase. I often get asked if I paint on the glass. I take that as a compliment because drawing and painting are other passions of mine. If people see those effects beneath the surfaces of my glass vessels, I feel successful…bjr