My interest in glass art stems from the freedom of expression and creativity that this medium allows.From a beginners class at a local college, to an advanced class in bead making, I have continued to express my artistic tendencies in my own way. I am largely self taught, relying on books, multiple classes, hours of practice, and trial and error. My work includes flat glass; stained glass projects that range from cabinet doors, free hanging windows and sidelights, to full size door panels. These projects utilize copper foil and lead came methods, sometimes utilizing both methods in the same project. Designs are my own and have been drawn from a variety of places, but probably mostly from nature. Building on the colors of the natural world and finding them again in the colors of glass or their combinations, is an excitement all its own. And the challenge of trying to place spacially pleasing forms in the confines of glass is most satisfying.
I became interested in Lampworked Beads in 1994 and have attended classes in New York and Arizona. Lampwork beading is actually an ancient art that has enjoyed a revival in recent years. The work is accomplished over a torch and involves melting glass rods over a metal rod then reworking the glass into art forms. The range of color, style, glass, precious metals or inorganic materials that can be utilized is unlimited and therefore very exciting as a creative medium.
Glass beads and flat glass allow a new adventure in combination of both styles, a particular favorite and unique segment of my work. This union results in small free hanging windows with open spaces somewhere near the center, where specially created beads appear and meld with the overall concept of the piece.
Kathy L. Furda