 Richard La LondeI was born in 1950, grew up in Vancouver, Washington and in 1972, I graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Geology where by I immediately went into art. In the beginning, along with my art, I did many different jobs including commercial fishing in Alaska, becoming a journeyman welder, building houses, creating stained glass windows, forging ornamental iron, blowing glass, and building kilns.I began fusing glass in an electric kiln in 1981. I use glass that is handmade by Bullseye Glass Company, in Portland, Oregon. In the early 1980’s they created the first complete color range of glass that was compatible and when fused together it didn’t crack apart. I was one of the initial artists to work with this glass as it became available, and pioneered new techniques. I taught fusing for Bullseye in glass facilities around the United States and in Canada from 1983 – 1988. In 1985 I taught at the Pilchuck Glass School.Those early days were about developing techniques and finding out what I could do with the glass. After a few years I began to translate my ideas into the pictorial murals and handkerchief vessels that I am known for today. In 1984 the Corning Museum of Glass purchased one of my early vessels for its collection and I also created my first public fused glass mural for the Washington State Arts Commission, 5′ high X 25′ long. In the Seattle area, you may have seen my International Arrivals Gateway at the SeaTac airport. Today I live on Whidbey Island where I continue sharing my glass knowledge and art experience through special workshops, lectures, webinars and articles. I continue to exhibit in galleries and exhibitions. I am now taking the time to explore a variety of artistic expressions, including sculpture, painting, writing and fusing recycled glass. |
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SELECTED MUSEUMS The Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York PUBLIC ART & COMMISSIONS
AUTHOR Richard La Londe: Fused Glass Art and Technique Richard La Londe and Friends: Fused Glass, Vitreous Enamels & Other Techniques Book II Ozone Press, Freeland, WA 240 pages hardback 2009 SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2004 Glass Gallery, Bethesda, MD |