In the Deep River area, and with the Artisans’ Co-op, I have a tremendous opportunity to pursue an art form called GLASS FUSION.

Glass fusion work is a few thousands of years old, and intricate works have been documented since approximately 1500 B.C. - from functional items such as bowls, to beautiful jewelry and wall tiles. Glass blowing seems to have dwarfed the works of glass fusion artists for hundreds of years, but fusion work is now enjoying a “rebirth” of a sorts.

Any type of glass can be fused, and today, there are many beautiful colours of specialty, fusion glass with good, predictable qualities. I work with glass, glass stringers, glass frit and glass powders. Possible designs and patterns are limited only by the imagination. When a design and colours are determined and cut, the work goes into a kiln similar to a potter’s kiln, and the work is fired to 1300 - 2500º F to melt the glass and fuse it together. The colours and designs are permanent. They also have softer lines that are delightfully smooth to the eye and the touch. One feels compelled to run their fingers over the glass.

Glass fusion, for me, will be a lifetime of trying new designs, techniques, temperatures and colour combinations. Custom work and requests offer a focus for this pursuit – Do contact me at the Artisans’ Co-op, Deep River Ontario (584-4483)!