Another Podcast!

 I was so surprised to get an email from Rabbi Josh Rose, asking if I would consent to a podcast interview.

So this is my humble announcement of self promotion. You can find the interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qATXY5ca4bU

Rabbi Josh does an amazing job of engaging the interviewee in dialogue. Yes, it was an interview, but it felt like we were having a conversation. I am grateful to him for putting me at ease.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, Rabbi Josh has entire series of interviews that are fascinating. I've listened to several and plan to eventually view them all. You can find the series by going to youtube and searching for:  The Genesis: Conversations on Jewish Arts&Culture or go to @TheGenesisJewishPodcast.

I'm a subscriber now....how about you?

"Striking" Glass

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 Here's an early shot of the triptych in process. What you see appears to be blue glass but if I process it correctly in the kiln it will "strike" violet. SO Awesome! (I was going to say, so 'cool' but .... cool is a relative term in the world of fused glass!)

Striker glass is a glass that when heated properly will shift color. If I don't process it correctly it will remain blue but might also develop some brown spots! YUCK!

According to Bullseye glass, "Some gold-bearing striking glasses, like this one, should be fired with a 2 hour hold at 1225°F during the initial stages of the firing cycle. If fired without this hold, they may not strike at all, or they may strike but appear spotty and have a blue-brown cast, as opposed to the desired target color. Know Your Gold Hold."

I'm going to do a test run first to see if I can get the color I am looking for, while continuing to cut my pieces.  

If you look closely at the photo you'll see numbers and initials. The initials represent the color of glass and the numbers allow me accurate placement of each piece (matching with he master pattern.) SB means Sky Blue, PB= Peacock Blue.....etc.

I'm about 25% complete in terms of getting all the pieces cut out. I'll have a bit of grinding and then cleaning to do ... and then there is placing the border on each piece before each piece goes into the kiln separately.  More about the border later!

Cutting Up

 As with most projects, the concept needs to be developed, thought through, and then designed. For the triptych, I wanted something flowing and calm. It's going into my Rabbi's office and it will hopefully be a visual piece that hides some of the parking lot view that sits just outside the windows.  Since the office space is used for counseling, teaching, planning and "generic" rabbinic work, it needs to offer the Rabbi and visitors a sense of peace and tranquility. An additional consideration is that there is another art piece (blown glass) on the wall, so my colors need to work with it.

I enlisted the help of a friend who draws with ease and thus, a master pattern was created. Together we worked on colors, making sure the ribbons of color flow accurately from panel to panel. A quick trip to FedEx allowed me to make a set of copies to cut up. The originals are set out under the clear glass to guide my placement. 

Each piece is labeled with a number and a color coding...example:

SB *12 means sky blue piece, 12 and the asterisk means it flows to another piece and I should make sure it lines up.

All my violet glass pieces are cut out and placed. I'll probably need to grind a few edges, but I won't know that until neighboring pieces are finished. Today, I will return to the studio to work on Sky Blue.

Saw Woes Resolved....Onward!

 Sometimes we are at the mercy of our tools! I love my Taurus ring saw....but it does require care and maintenance. That is not my strength! 

Thankfully my husband is willing to replace belts, blades, grommets...and more. In addition to all these replacements, it turns out I needed new ball bearings...so during the down time I had, I scrubbed out the minuscule particles of glass dust that seemed to also have an impact on the belt.   Phew! much to my relief, all is repaired and the saw is working. 

Onward....the triptych awaits!

I'm on a Podcast!

 I had hoped to update you all on my progress with the triptych I began...but alas, my Taurus ring saw needed a new belt....and then I realized it could use a new blade....and then I realized that all the grommets also should be replaced. No problem. I had all those parts...or so I thought. In replacing the tiny grommets used to stabilize the blade, I discovered that the ball bearings were damaged.... So I await the arrival of ball bearings.... 2 for $7 plus a $10 shipping fee. NO COMMENT!

So instead I offer you a humble bit of self promotion.  I don't know why I was invited to be interviewed...but it was a fun and unique experience. Thank you Rockne Roll, editor of the Portland Jewish Review for this opportunity. Interested? you can find the interview at:

Eddy Shuldman Podcast

NEW PROJECT: JUST GETTING STARTED!

 A Triptych of flowing colorful glass ribbons is on the horizon!

It's a commission of sorts...a combination of a requested gift and my donation. 

Step 1: Created a master pattern . I called in the services of a dear friend who kindly and masterfully drew the ribbons across three sheets of paper.  √

Step 2: Pick out potential glass colors, making sure I have enough glass in stock to cover it all! √

Step 3: Assign colors to the pattern √

Step 4: Run to the print shop and get a full size copy of the pattern. I'll use one as the master and the other will be cut up and glued to the glass so I can make accurate cuts.

There was a Pre-step which involved other people (friends of the recipient) creating a black mosaic border for the piece. In this way, the community of friends all had a literal hand in the gift. The border mosaic will need some slight adjustments but for the most part, it's done! √

Truth be told, I started this process awhile ago only to learn that the colors I selected wouldn't work! Other obligations arose and so finally.....finally, this project is underway.  Step 4 happens today!

I'll be documenting the project routinely...at least, that's my optimism at work! We'll see!

Stay tuned!

Self-Promotion

 I was recently invited to talk about Jewish art, ORA, and some of my glass efforts on a podcast hosted by Rockne Roll of the Portland Jewish Review.

Here's the link:https://rss.com/podcasts/jewishreviewpdx/2541490/

I thought I would be more nervous, but Rockne really made me feel comfortable and by doing this in person, it felt more like a conversation than an interview....anyway, if you are interested, please feel free to tune in.

My Last Seder Plate

 My seder plate mold dropped off the shelf....oops!

At first I was seriously bummed. I love making seder plates. Now I have decided to work with a ceramic artist to create a new mold (maybe two?) that will allow me to go in some new directions.

The last seder plate I made. It was a comssion for a seder plate. a matzah tray, and a yahrzeit candle holder

I have several projects lined up before I can get back to  seder plates. Some don't involve glass, so it may be awhile before I can post again. 

It's the holiday season...so sending out good wishes to all for whatever holidays you celebrate!

May the New Year bring us all much joy!

I'm back in the Studio!

 

After so many months of recovery, I am finally back to working in my studio.

I have a couple of big projects waiting for me, but I wanted to launch into my work with some projects that were more playful. Sitting down is not the best position for me when cutting glass so I wanted to do smaller projects that limited how much time I spent standing.

These are my newest garden stakes....something to add a little joy outside. Both sold right away, so I will make a few more before starting the tryptich I have been planning. More about that in my next posting.

One-handed fused glass- Tzedakah Box

 I'm working one-handed since I dislocated my elbow and gave myself a call fracture. With some commissions due, I had no choice.

My wonderful husband was kind enough to move large sheets of glass for me and hold things in place when I needed help...but I found I could get the work done...I just had to slow down and think through every step.

One of the commissions I had was to craft a tzedkah box (like a piggy bank for charity.) I ended up fusing the Hebrew letters to the face and then copper foiled and soldered the rest. I somehow failed to capture the beautiful marble I glued to the top as a handle.

tiny glass blobs/beads: A New Commission

Lots and lots of tiny squares went into the kiln... high temperatures cause the squares to round up into tiny blobs or beads. Blobs just sound inelegant when you're looking at something so small.

There are multi colored beads and some clear dichroic beads...  some are a little larger and some a little smaller. This photo should give you a sense of the size.

THE PROCESS: It's not rocket science....just repetitive snipping. I cut up glass into narrow strips and then use tile snippers to cut little squares (see the picture below ). The next step is laying out all these little squares on a kiln shelf, making sure that the squares don't touch each other....Program the kiln and walk away! I fire over night to get a lower price for electricity. Scooping up the finished beads is really time consuming as well. I use a pancake flipper to scoop them up but they are tricky little devils and they tend to roll off.

What will I do with these little beads? They will be used in a fused mosaic along with frit ...It's a commission that is intended as a gift...so I won't be posting the finished product until it has been gifted. I'll try to document some of the next steps. Stay tuned!

ERROR ERROR ERROR !

Yup, I'm singing the blues....The kiln blues to be exact... Two kilns and neither of them is working....REALLY?????
One is blinking an error message and the other one just one turn on. Sigh.....! 🎶 Woke up this mornin’, sun ain't shining bright, Thought I'd fire my glass creations, make ‘em look just right. But that old kiln of mine, she ain’t workin’ no more, She’s sittin’ in the corner like a ghost by the door. *(Chorus)* Oh baby, got them broken kiln blues, No heat to cure my heartache or these tired shoes. Glass just sittin there waitin... colors in beautiful hues Yeah, I got me some fierce broken kiln blues.🎶

HaMakom: The Place...and a Name for God

When two artists collaborate with a singular vision but two different explanations, the result is just that! In Genesis it says: יהי רקיע בתוך המים, “let there be a horizon in the midst of the waters.” There was HaShem’s first creative act, creating a separation between the upper and lower waters…..and…..in Torah, Ha-makom is “the place” where Jacob rests for the night and dreams of a ladder. He encounters HaShem through angels and receives the Brit (our covenant.) Ha-Makom is also a metaphorical name for Hashem. In our study of the mikvah we came to understand that it is not only a geographical place and space. It isn’t just about completing a ritual. Rather it is the location for a spiritual and holy experience; a place to cleanse, heal, and re-emerge. Our ladder of letters and flowing silk is a reminder of our Brit, our covenant with HaShem. בָּרוּךְ הַמָּקוֹם, בָּרוּךְ הוּא. Blessed is Ha-Makom , Blessed is Hashem. These waters co-mingle flowing through HaShem’s Creation and gift us middot/intentions which are represented but the godly characteristics we should pursue. We ask visitors to take a word and think about how one might embody this trait. I cut the letters and fused them extra hot so the edges would become wavy. Diane painted silk in varigated blues. The glass letters were mounted on a sheet of plexiglass we had custom cut and bent in order to accomodate a small glass dish embedded with copper. The steam spills into and beyond this dish because God cannot be contained but is everflowing and manifesting beyone what we can humanly perceive. Glass nuggets are there for the taking. Each contains a middah (intention.)

Thank you Diane Fredgant! You are an amazing artist and a dear friend. Working with you taught me a great deal and I am most grateful!

Two New Commissions Completed!

I've been busy! While I was away on my wonderful trip I received an email asking if i could accept a commission. The due date was something I could accommodate so I agreed. It was a fun project and hopefully the gift was appreciated! It has copper wire hooks. The clear background allows the wall color to come through. It could also be hung in a window!

The second commission was challenging because of the very short turn-around time. That said, it was such a pleasure to make it for a very special person I have known for a very long time. It is designed for a window display, allowing light to come through the spaces around the tiny dichroic beads in the center of the pomegranate. There are four hebrew words that surround the bead (seeds). They translate to Love, Honor, Respect, ALL OF US!

A Tribute to Harpo!

 

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I only make masks of individuals I wouldn't mind inhabiting space on my walls. Harpo is one of those characters who remind me how important it is to be silly and laugh!

As a child, I delighted in watching Marx Brothers movies on tv. I still do!

Harpo was the most musically talented of all the brothers...and could make people laugh without uttering a word!

His hat is made of felt with green sparkles that match his eyes. His time is made of needle felted wool and the harp is a sticker I found.  His hair? Dolls hair from a local craft store....and yes, it's a real bike horn!

He'll be available for purchase at the ORA Artist A-Z sale at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education on April 7th.... Thanks 11a-7p ! Come see me...more importantly, come see him. I think he's kinda cute!

 

MASK TIME!!!! Caricatures in Fused Glass

 

I have such fun making fused glass caricature  "masks". I'm prepping for a 1-day art show @ the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education on April 7th (11a-4p). The museum is generously sponsoring ORA Northwest Jewish Artists in our ORA Artists A-Z show. 

I'm in the process of finishing my third mask that I'll be selling that day. Albert is the first mask I want to share with you all.

I am always optimistic that they will sell, but my rule of thumb is to only create masks of folks I am happy to live with on my own walls.

Albert was made awhile back ...but I wasn't ready to part with him. Although I am still quite attached, I am ready to say goodbye if someone wants him...and I am also happy to keep him.

It's a frame up!

 

Framing up!

A lovely young couple received one of my gift certificates from friends  Their friends imagined a menorah or a seder plate, but the couple wanted special frames built for three of their wedding photos.

The photo above shows Hebrew lettering pasted onto copper foil. The lettering spells a beautiful saying from Song of Songs: "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." Frame #2 will say Mishp'cha which means "family", and the third reads "Ahavah" which means "love" posted below. Once I cut these letters out, I soak them in soapy water and dry them with Q-tips. When the glass is cut they are sandwiched between a layer of opaque and clear glass. Under intense heat the copper color turns a deep burgundy and sometimes has hints of blue.

Below you can see the frame about to be fired for round one. The top temperature will be about 1425 degrees fahrenheit. It's clear glass capping white. The glass is in the kiln for its 14 hour heat bath as I write this.  Tomorrow I will add a branch to the two sides with small leaves (the green stuff next to the frame) . It'll go back into the kiln for about 16-18 hours tomorrow with those embellishments.  I'll post again when all three have been finished...but without the wedding pictures. The couple deserves their privacy.

Yikes! It's 2024!

 

I haven't written anything in a couple of months...OOOPS!

I've been busy filling commission orders and haven't really had the time to write about my work.

Above are pictures of 2 new gnome commissions that I'm pretty happy with. What do you think?

Here in Portland we have been blanketed in sub-freezing temperatures, snow and ice for almost a week. Today the temperature is above freezing but freezing rain and a temperature drop are predicted to hit in just about an hour. 

While it is the perfect time to focus on cleaning up my studio, inertia has grabbed a hold of me. Maybe later today?

Meanwhile, I am sketching ideas for a future project and helping our artist guild ORA plan some new events. That just seems like more fun than cleaning! 

Hanukkiah or Menorah?

 

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There is often confusion about what to call this ritual item that eventually holds 8 candles and a 9th lead candle. Most folks call it a menorah...but technically the menorah holds only 7 candles.

Hanukkah is a festival lasting 8 days. Each day succeeding candles are lit: 1 for day #1, 2 for day #2, etc..... The candles are lit from a lead candle also known as a shamash. This candle holder is not a menorah but a hanukkiah.

I've made two additional ones which will be available for purchase at the MJCC here in Portland Oregon, tomorrow! Our Marketplace event will only be open through Friday Dec.1

Come check out my table...and all the other amazing artists!

Each of these has silicone feet. Candles are not included!

It's About Time!

 

Twenty +...yes...20 + years ago we renovated our kitchen area. We had a curio cabinet installed and I asked the contractor to leave space for my own windows. 

Inertia, perfectionism, laziness, forgetfulness...more inertia, more perfectionism, more laziness and finally "What the Heck!!!!...just do it ! (to coin a much over-used phrase.)

I'm not getting any younger! I decided to opt for an easy solution. I used Bullseye Tekta and tack-fused blue and clear confetti . That's it! 

How silly that it took that long to do something so simple, so basic!