A 1983 graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art with a major in Glass and a minor in Drawing, I have operated a private studio since that time. My work consists of hand-blown and sculptural glass. The medium possesses inherent qualities—elusive, intriguing, and seductive—that I strive to make an integral part of each piece. I favor thick glass for its ability to exhibit depth, transparency, reflection, and refraction. I also strive for strong form. Each piece is hand-blown, hand-formed, and executed solely by me, without the use of molds or mechanical shaping methods. I've even built or rebuilt much of my equipment to achieve unique finishes and markings.
The hand-blowing process involves layering. Color is applied first, followed by successive gathers of clear glass or crystal, with cooling and shaping performed between each layer. Once cooled, the Canted Forms are cut with diamond saws, ground, and hand-polished. Surfaces are further articulated using stone wheels, diamond wheels, or acid etching to "mark" the glass and complete the unique artwork. My Anklets undergo a second heat process: after initial forming, cutting, and grinding (to a 400 grit finish or engraved), they are reheated to 1000°F. This final step polishes the ground areas and allows for a concluding manipulation of the piece.