Fused GlassFusing glass is an act of mystery and magic. I find it exciting that I don’t know exactly what the glass will do when it is melted. Even with practice and experience, the results can be unpredictable. Placement in the kiln and minerals outgassed from other colors can affect the alchemy. Some glass colors cause reactions in other types of glass. These and other factors make opening my kiln thrilling.
By combining iridescent, transparent, translucent, opaque and dichroic glass, I achieve unique results. Most fused pieces require 5 to 15 firings at temperatures around 1425 F, and must be cooled slowly overnight in the closed kiln to temper and strengthen the glass.
I'm now also doing vitreous glass enameling; it makes me feel like I have more control, but that is simply delusional!