My journey into the world of creativity and risk-taking began not in a studio or an art class, but within the pages of a book about jewelry manufacturing. This book wasn't just a read; it was the ignition to a dream. I delved into the intricacies of crafting jewelry, driven by a philosophy that failure was never an option. From a young age, I knew that taking calculated risks was just another step towards success.
Photography: Seeing the World Through a Different Lens
Country Living and the Limits of Imagination
As my path veered into the realm of photography, I discovered a new way of seeing the world. Living in the countryside, I was both blessed with natural beauty and challenged by the limits it imposed. This dichotomy pushed me to expand my imagination, to see beyond the obvious, and to capture the essence of my surroundings through my lens.
From Heat to Art: The Dance with Molten Metal
Jewelry Manufacturing to Art Glass
In the jewelry manufacturing industry, heat is a constant companion, a force that transforms and creates. This daily dance with molten metal sparked another passion within me: art glass. The allure of shaping and moulding glass using intense heat led me down another path of exploration.
The Accidental Discovery: Ice as Art
Fusing Glass and Unveiling Beauty
One day, a seemingly mundane event turned into a moment of discovery. A heavy sheet of tempered glass, half an inch thick, shattered upon impact when I accidentally dropped it. The explosion of glass created a myriad of pieces, each unique in its form. Intrigued, I collected these shards and placed them in my kiln, curious about the outcome of fusing them at 1550 degrees Fahrenheit.IMAGE Shattered tempered glass
The result was unexpected and breathtaking. The fused glass pieces emerged with a webbing that remarkably resembled ice. This serendipitous event marked the beginning of yet another chapter in my life of endless exploration.
IMAGE glass at 1500 degrees Fahrenheit ready to cool.
IMAGE final stage of taking the pieces out of the kiln after cooled
IMAGE fused tempered glass
Embracing the Journey
Continuing the Exploration
My life has been a testament to the power of curiosity and the beauty of following one's passions. From jewelry making to photography, from the heat of the kiln to the delicate art of glass, each step has been a part of a larger journey. A journey that celebrates the "what if" moments and thrives on the pursuit of the unknown.
IMAGE The final outcome of a pocket watch on what appears to be ice, created with fused tempered glass