Time For a New Filter!

Utterly Clogged!

This is a thoroughly clogged and rather disgusting hepa filter for my shop vac. I only use it to clean out my kiln and kiln room. 

My husband was so kind to help me change it out. This dust is a hazard to breathe. We bagged it then sealed it in plastic.

Thank you Jeff for all your help!

He sounded a lot like Darth Vader in that mask!

Raindrops

clear glass blobs? splashes of water? raindrops? 

A small decorative element for a commissioned wall hanging. I'll make the various components ahead of time, then assemble the piece for a final fuse.

This is not an example of rocket science!
Small squares of glass are stacked and fused hot so the edges round up. If rectanges or triangles are used, a different shape of blob is created.

Torah Pointers (Yads) Revisited

These yads (Torah Pointers) came our of my kiln and were all sold the next day right here in Portland, Oregon!

I'm experimenting with different ways of making these pointers so that the colors can be vibrant or subtle, depending on the needs of the leyhner (Torah chanter.) 

I shifted away from the design that requires torch work. I felt they were too fragile and frankly, I just didn't love doing the open flame-work....I know....that's heresy in some circles!


My most recent batch was less exciting but I learned oh so much more...about volume, color blending, heat...and more.


I'll salvage some of these, polish them, shape the point and fire them so they will be ready for use,  but a couple will be chopped up and reused in my next experiment.

I have several commissions ahead of me so I may be absent from my blog for awhile.
I'll post  the commissions...with permission of the permission of my customers.

In the meantime..... HAPPY CHANUKAH!

Maria Simon's work of art on our wall!

We have been saving up our shekels for some time, hoping to one day purchase one of Maria Simon's bas relief clay sculptures.

Last winter we were able to commission this piece which was completed last spring. The photo doesn't do it justice. It is superb. We find ourselves sitting in the living room just staring at it. The color shifts are so subtle and so evocative.  

I can't believe it has taken me so long to post a photo!
Check out her website...fall in love and buy one of her pieces. 
http://mariasimonstudio.com

Be sure to also visit this site  http://mariasimonstudio.com/oregon-art-beat/
where you can see her at work in her studio in an episode of Oregon Art Beat.

Views From COA 2015

Grandma Vera FInds a New Home!

GRANDMA VERA

Last weekend I joined my fellow ORA artists in a Celebration of a\Art weekend. It was an amazing event filled with music, fine art, food and drink samples....and more!

On Sunday a delightful woman came into my booth with her friend.

We chatted for a while and then she perused the glass in my booth. She was drawn to the masks I had displayed. 

I made theses masks last spring for the play 4,000 Miles.

What a pleasure to witness someone take just one look at my glass and ask..."How much?" 

Gulp! I love the masks and had become rather attached. I answered her question honestly and much to my surprise she said "I'll take it!" We exchanged names and I instantly recognized it! Many, many years ago, I was her daughter's camp counselor. Remarkably, she wanted to buy the Grandma Vera mask for her daughter...my former camper! 

Knowing that the mask is going to a good home where she will be appreciated just made my day!  Having a connection with the new owner....well, that is just awesome!

 

Healing Hands Fused Glass Commission

It was an honor to create this 12x12 sushi style plate . This was a commissioned piece gifted to a humble and gracious woman for the generous work she has done in her community. 

I am told the gift was well received and appreciated by both the group of individuals who commissioned it, as well as by the recipient. 

As always, the plate was accompanied by a written explanation of the artwork, as well as a blessing for the recipient. I must confess, this is my favorite kind of work....creating commissioned work to be gifted to those who readily gift the community with their volunteer spirit!

COME SEE ME!!!!!

Taste of Art & Celebration of Art 2015!

October 17th 7-9:30

October 18th 10:30-4:40 pm

Mittleman Jewish Community Center

free admission

This is a shot from last year's event. I have new work to offer my customers but the focus this year is on offering more commission opportunities. Instead of buying what you see, you can get your glass customized. Pick the shape, the design, the colors.....I'll make it happen. If you don't see a design you like, we can discuss your ideas and make that happen !

Art makes a great gift and values for the artist and the gift recipient. No gallery mark ups, just quality work for a reasonable price.

Mayim Chayim- wall mounted

Mayim Chayim is safely mounted over the mantle piece. This was a commissioned piece. I am grateful to the owner for this photo.
The glass is mounted on polished aluminum and then carefully fastened to the wall. This photo captures the iridescent sheen of the base glass quite well. I can hardly wait to check it out in person!

Sharing the outdoor studio!

Quite the serenade .... one of many perks in having an outdoor space to work in!

Sorry for the silence on this blog. Between Jewish holidays and a number of commissions, it's been a busy place!

Photos of new work should appear in early October. 
Info about an upcoming show will be posted soon.

Mayim Chayim:Waters of Life

My most recently completed commission!
Iridized black glass with a clear base supports a river of glass blobs.
This is a photo of it prior to mounting it on a sheet of polished aluminum . The final piece is 24"x18.5" and definitely the largest piece I've made to date.

The final piece will be mounted over the mantel and I hope the owner will send me a picture of it in situ. It's quite heavy....so I will be channeling positive energy to the handyman charged with the task of mounting it to the wall.

As always, I find myself lamenting over the challenges of photographing glass....the vibrancy of the iridized finish in contrast to the glass blobs (such an inelegant term!) is too challenging for my photographic abilities.

Compassion...in a bowl

This commissioned bowl was just finished and handed off. 
It is intended as a gift from one dear friend to another in gratitude.
The open hands are adorned with dichroic glass beads and white gold ink. A copper foil heart rests in the palms and displays the hebrew word rachamanah which means compassionate one in Hebrew.

The bowl is  16" with a matte iridized finish and a light dusting of hand-crushed clear dichroic glass. I am grateful for the opportunity to make this bowl...both the giver and the recipient are remarkable souls who share a beautiful friendship. To know them is also an honor.

A New Journey Gass Project Begins

A long over-due project begins with firing numerous dichroic blobs....1 layer of dichro capped in 1 layer of clear.

How to "Plant" a Tree on a Wall

Kudos to Gustav Sculptor and Richard Cawley for their creative metal work. It is spectacular...but don't take my word for it! Come see the tree in the Isaak Foyer at Neveh Shalom!
                                             

It's really heavy!

Richard (L)  Gustav (R)

                                   

                        Richard's Dad to the rescue!

I certainly owe all these guys an apology for capturing their backsides only. 

It Is A Tree of Life!

The tree was mounted yesterday. The leaves were mounted today.

Words fail to adequately express my joy at seeing this project in its final phase. 

Here are the basic tidbits of information.
• it is located in the foyer of the sanctuary at Neveh Shalom
• it is part of the rededication of the foyer in honor of Rabbi Daniel Isaac who retired following 22 years of service to this Portland shul.
• the tree design was created by Gary Pearlman, a talented artist and devoted congregant who helped with the leaf placement today.

• Gary hired Gustav Sculptor and Richard Cawley worked from Gary's drawing and calligraphy.
• I crafted the leaves and operate the glue tube.

I am grateful to my husband Jeff who climbed the ladder today to place the leaves (as directed!)

Shadows and Reflected Light!

The metal tree was attached to the wall today. The leaves will be attached tomorrow.
We put a few leaves on the tree today just to get a sense of the potential ....cool shadows and reflected light!
It's very exciting ....I can hardly wait!

Tomorrow I'll post the the finished project and revel the location!

Chamsah Plate: A Healing Hand

8"x8" sushi style plate. The chamsah (aka Hand of Fatima, Hand of Miriam, Hand of Mary, Hamsah) is a middle east amulet signifying keeping away "the evil eye." It is made from clear dichroic glass and is quite striking in person. This plate is a commissioned piece on its way to California, a 60th birthday present.

Another Sneak Preview!

The letters will be polished to a brilliant reflective silver. The background metal will be dark.

This is part of a large metal ribbon banner that will drape across a beautiful metal Tree of Life. The letters were cut by a water jet just as the leaves were (see older posts).

The calligraphy was done by local Portland artist/hebrew calligrapher Gary Pearlman. 

I wish I could show you more of the project, but some good things are worth the wait.... A full reveal will hopefully occur within a month. Stay tuned!

Something New Developing on the Cutting Board

Almost done!    This is in the kiln right now....about 40 leaves (I forgot to count!). I have stacked shelves hoping to save cost. Tomorrow I'll "toss" in the last 15 or so....
and then..... I get to pull out the fiber paper...."oh goody," she exclaimed (facetiously!) 

It's a tedious task. I've only cleaned out about 15 leaves so far. I can already feel my technique improving.

I look forward to going to the metal shop again....it is such a play land! I'll ask if I can take pictures when I get there!