I love the mornings in Central Oregon. The colors of the skies as the dawn approaches can be simply gorgeous. It’s a good thing I love the mornings as I have three mini donkeys who will serenade the countryside as they sing for their breakfast. They are quite vocal about the celebration and are greeting the day. And they are consistent so the countryside is treated with this singing every morning! I wonder, do they see in color?
Imagine the crisp, cool mornings in Central Oregon. I love to take those colors into a tangible expression of nature’s quiet beauty. Have you experienced that deep turquoise color along the horizon? It’s always cool in the morning so I can do the hot work in relative comfort. After relocating to the high desert landscapes my work began to reflect the colors of this environment. And, my horse’s feet are so much healthier in the high desert environment. I believe at this point I qualify as a longtime resident of Central Oregon.
My chosen medium is glass and I work primarily with hot glass or furnace glass. Hot glass is a wonderful process to learn and pursue. There are many technical challenges and skills to learn and ultimately the glass becomes your teacher. One can literally see how their thought process can becomes an object. The glass is 2,150 degrees F coming out of the furnace. To keep the glass hot enough to shape there is a reheat furnace 2,300-2,400 degrees F. Yes, it’s hot work. Hot glass is always challenging. Wonderfully unpredictable requiring attention in the present moment. As the forming process continues one can find moments balancing on the edge of failure and yet the process demands completion.
When I am not in my shop you might find me exploring on horseback or hiking with my dogs. I love to ride out into the ever-present inspiration. This way I can be immersed in color, be with four four-legged family and be thinking about the colors for my next piece.
Currently, I am in the middle of a commission which will be incorporated into two large doors. The doors open into the music room of a beautiful private residence. The doors are primarily clear hand-blown glass and incorporate a series of multi colored hand blown rondels. It will be so unusual!
You can find my work at Tumalo Art Company in the Old Mill District of Bend. Plot Twist #2025-spring… new work for the gallery soon!