The Process

My raw material is glass, which arrives in my studio from around the world as pencil thin, one meter long rods. The glass is lampworked-- each bead or sculptural piece is individually shaped in a propane-oxygen flame, then embellished and finally kiln annealed for permanence. Often precious metals or glass enamels are incorporated into the glass during this process. After cooling, the pieces are combined with sterling silver jewelry findings, polished chrome winestopper bases, hand carved exotic hardwood hairsticks, and other objects to create items of adornment, utility and whimsy. I carry out each and every step of the process myself.