I have been fusing glass since 1994 and I still find that nothing beats that wonderful feeling of opening the kiln and seeing how a piece has turned out after firing. I love how glass comes alive with light and bursts with vibrant color. Fusing glass brings me so much joy, and my work naturally reflects this enjoyment.
All of my pieces are handcrafted and are one of a kind creations. I work out of my home studio in Marin County and in a San Francisco studio as well. Thank you for supporting handcrafted work. I truly welcome custom orders and always look forward to designing a piece that is just right for you!
From the Heart to Head and Back Again with Love for Spirit - Spiral into Yourself and Bloom!
~Nikki Contini~
To learn about more about the history of fused glass, please read the article at the end of this page.
So...what is fused glass all about....
Brief History of fused glass:
The unique process of fusing glass was developed by the ancient Egyptians! The Egyptians considered glass to be a precious material, like gold and silver and developed techniques adapted from metalworking and ceramics to fuse and form glass. As early as the second millennium BC, the Egyptians were fusing glass and making beautiful vessels. The Greeks and Romans then improved upon the techniques of the Egyptians and developed the craft of kiln forming techniques and mosaic pattern making.
When the Romans developed the new technique of “Glass Blowing”, (known as hot glass- using a glass rod to manipulate glass that has been heated in a furnace), the art of glass fusing basically died away by the third century AD. Blown Glass compared to fusing glass was more efficient, less costly and easier to replicate. So, blowing glass became the technique of choice over the centuries.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that there was a re-birth of the art of fusing glass, (warm glass), in France. Discoveries of ancient glass and attempts to reproduce and enhance old production techniques inspired a new wave of interest in fused glass.
New techniques in kiln-forming glass and slumping in molds led to a studio glass movement which has brought respectability to the craft of working with glass.
In the 1970s, The Bullseye Glass Company was formed in Oregon. This company has played a major role in the development of the fused glass discipline. Bullseye and other manufacturers have developed several lines of glass which have expanded the palette and options for glass artists.
So, with increasing availability and better materials, there has been a renaissance in the fused glass movement. Glass Fusing is an incredible vehicle for creative expression. The amazing colors and depth of glass spark the imagination and the possibilities are endless!
Sources: Walker, Brad. Contemporary Warm Glass. Clemmons, NC Four Corners International, INC., 2000. The Internet.
Nikki Contini 8/11
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