Behind the Glass: A Peek at the Process
Every piece of QuirkWonky Glass starts with a spark of colour and a bit of joyful chaos. From cutting bold shapes to firing them in the kiln, each design is handcrafted with love, whimsy and a whole lot of character.
The Process
Cutting the Glass: First, you start by cutting different pieces of glass into shapes or sizes you want to combine. You can use special glass-cutting tools for this.
Arranging the Pieces: After cutting, you place the pieces of glass on the kiln shelf in the design you want. The pieces don't have to touch, but they will melt and fuse together when heated.
Heating in a Kiln: The glass is placed in a kiln (a special oven for firing glass) and heated slowly. The temperature gradually increases until it reaches around 1,400°F (760 °C) to 1,600°F (870 °C), depending on the type of glass and desired result.
Melting, Fusing, and Thickness: At this high temperature, the glass becomes soft and starts to fuse or melt together. The thickness of the glass plays a role here - thicker pieces will take longer to melt and fuse compared to thinner pieces. As the glass melts, it may spread out a little and thicker pieces might form a more pronounced texture or shape.
Cooling: Once the glass has fused, it is cooled down slowly in the kiln. This process is called "annealing", which helps the glass avoid cracking or breaking because of sudden temperature changes.
Finishing Touches: After cooling, the glass may need some finishing work, like sanding or polishing the edges, to make it smooth and shiny.
My Craft Philosophy
Practically imperfect in every way.
I specialise in glass fusing, a craft that allows me to create pieces that are always unique. My work is characterised by its naive, simple style and I embrace imperfection. For me, perfection is overrated. It's the flaws in my work that make each piece one-of-a-kind.
Sustainability is also a key aspect of my practice. Glass is a forgiving medium - if something breaks I can always reuse and reform it into something new.
I try to keep my prices accessible because I believe that everyone should be able to own a beautiful piece of art without breaking the bank. I don't focus on profit; instead, I ensure my prices just cover my costs and the materials for my next creative project.
