THE STEEL AND GLASS SERIES
->View QuickTime Video

In 2003 I began to experiment with joining melted glass and steel to form integrated units. For many years I had wanted to combine the two mediums into one. So I developed a technique that would melt the glass directly into the steel. The lava-like texture and a color of the steel contrast with the bright colors and smooth texture of the molten glass. The combination of these two elements is not only pleasing to the eye but is the type of sculpture that people cannot stop touching. To see this is very satisfying because it means that the viewer has become totally involved and immersed in the sculpture.

Spaceship is the first of this series. Various colors of melted glass, bronze and steel are shaped in the form of a moving object. Spaceship rests on a unique base to further emphasize its movement. Glossy polyurethane was used to finish the sculpture and to give it added brightness and light. Spaceship is approximately 10 in. by 5 in. and rests on a base that is 8 in. high. It weighs approximately 25 lbs.

Sea Segment (Atlantic) is another version of this series. Unlike the beautiful clear water and colorful reef life of the tropical portions of the ocean, my view of the Atlantic Ocean is much darker and more foreboding. This segment is my vision of a small slice of the Atlantic. The glass additions are muted colors. Bronze highlights are used to show that what looks to be almost flat is really not. Again, this sculpture is to be seen and touched. Sea Segment (Atlantic) is 8 in. by 8in. and 2 in. high. It weighs approximately 25 lbs.

Jackson Pollock is the most colorful version of this series. Brightly colored glass fragments are integrated with dark textured steel. I used glass pellets with a particularly striking glow, especially in the cobalt blue. This piece demonstrates that when you melt glass it can change colors in ways that no one can predict. This sculpture is meant to be seen and touched, especially since the glass has flowed in unusual patterns but is extremely smooth to the touch. Jackson Pollock is 10 in. by 8 in. by 21/2 in. and weighs almost 30 lbs.