What has always excited me about glass compared to other mediums is the way it comes alive when light hits it. Whether it is twinkling glass decorations on a Christmas Tree or the sun bouncing of glass pebbles on my desk when I’m making cards, I get a bit mesmerised by it (and take an unnecessary amount of photos!).
As I’m learning more about creating fused glass, the idea of being able to add layers of colours that the light can pass though has become more and more appealing. I was inspired by a book I bought online called ‘Ultimate Fused Glass Puddles’ by Paul Tarlow which showcases incredible layered fused glass effects. I first fire a number of pieces of sheet glass in various colour schemes on top of each other. Then, the best bit, smash them up with a hammer and some mosaic nippers and then refire them on their side so the layers all spread out and swirl into each other.
This can be done with transparent coloured glass or opaque glass to get different effects – the opportunities are endless with colour and opacity options. It opens up so many possibilities for contemporary glass art with vibrant colour in fused glass.
I’m just getting started on this journey with these fused glass art techniques, but when I’ve made these layered pieces and then held them up to the light it just makes me feel happy and I think that if a small piece of swirly coloured glass can bring joy, it means glass making is a pretty special past time.
