The Art of Kiln-Formed Glass

The work begins by selecting and layering sheets of colored glass, then cutting shapes that will form the composition. Pieces are arranged like a mosaic, allowing patterns and movement to emerge through the heating and fusing process.

Preparing for the Kiln

Once the design is complete, the glass is carefully placed on a kiln shelf. The firing schedule — the sequence of heating and cooling — determines how the glass will melt, fuse, and settle into its final form, and may take 24-36 hours.

Kiln Firing

Inside the kiln, temperatures approach 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. At this stage the glass softens and flows, allowing the pieces and layers to fuse together.

Once fused, pieces are fired once more into molded shapes.

The kiln then cools slowly to prevent stress within the glass.

The Finished Piece

When the kiln has cooled and the piece is cleaned, the final result reflects both the design and the subtle transformations created during firing.

Each piece is unique — shaped by both intention and the transformative process of glass and heat.