history of funky fusion

'Funky fusion' was launched in 2012.  After retiring as a college administrator in 2010, I took a fused-glass class at Snow Farm, an art community dedicated to providing studio and fine arts instruction located on a beautiful farm in Williamsburg, MA. I learned how to cut glass, experiment with layering colored and patterned pieces of glass to create a new design, and how to fire a kiln. After taking other classes at Snow Farm and at Studio K's Glass Castle  in Somers CT, I bought a small tabletop kiln and started making wearable art that other people seemed to enjoy.  After purchasing a grinder, tabletop ring saw, and a larger kiln, 'funky fusion' was up and running! 

I have always been interested in the arts: photography, drawing, beading & quilting.  The transition seems like a natural progression as I continue to incorporate photography and beading into my glass work.

I continue to take classes and online courses at the (Bullseye Resource Center) and (aaeglass) to expand my knowledge and learn new techniques.  I'm particularly drawn to working with powdered glass. Powdered glass is fusible sheet glass ground into a very fine powder. The powder needs to be layered to a thickness comparable to sheet glass in order to achieve the rich color of sheet glass, but it allows for more flexibility and experimentation.  Multiple techniques and multiple firings are involved with creating the patterns in glass.  I work with two different techniques; one involves placing powders on a piece of fiber paper and then creating a crackled effect by manipulating the fiber paper. The other involves layering powder directly on a kiln shelf and then creating patterns in the powder with various tools. These patterns expand during firing.

I enjoy experimenting with powders and love the moment when the kiln is opened. Many of my pieces are organic in nature and no two pieces are alike; I hope you enjoy my art glass as much as I enjoy making them.

My art glass pieces are now available for purchase on this website.