I outline the design on a clear piece of glass by applying a thin line of powdered glass that is suspended in a gum medium. Then I lay crushed colored glass into the outlined areas in a manner similar to sand painting. This is then fused in an electric kiln, at a temperature of 1550 degrees Fahrenheit, cooled, flipped over, and fused a second time producing depth in my tiles like a glass paperweight.

In 1983, I created a 6’ x 25’ glass mural at Black Lake Elementary near Olympia, Washington. This piece was designed to be touched by the students and there have been no problems. My fused glass resists vandalism as well as most materials including ceramics and wood. The janitor loves it because all that is needed is glass cleaner and a soft cloth to maintain it.

I prefer interior walls for my murals. My fused glass tiles are adhered to aluminum which is screwed to the wall and this allows for removal and future relocation. Money spent on my commissions is not lost when the building is remodeled or torn down, as is the case of grouted tiles.

During the past 20 years I have worked with art committees, architects, material and structural engineers on 12 public commissions including the glass mural that surrounds the International Arrivals Gateway at the SeaTac Airport. I have also created over 100 wall pieces and murals, for private commissions and gallery exhibitions. I enjoy creating colorful fused glass murals that cause chuckles, smiles, and thoughtful reflection.

My colorful glass vessels are created in a manner similar to my murals. Sometimes I fuse dichroic (metallic coated glass) and gold foil into these pieces. During a third firing they are slumped into a stainless steel mold to create the vessel shape. I like to display them sitting on their sides.