Administrator Note - Dec 2, 2009
CRE8 GlassWorks has moved to http://cre8glassworks.weebly.com. Please update your bookmarks / links as appropriate..
This site remains fully functional, however new additions and changes will only be present on the new site.
Again: the new site is http://cre8glassworks.weebly.com, click to go there now.
This site remains fully functional, however new additions and changes will only be present on the new site.
Again: the new site is http://cre8glassworks.weebly.com, click to go there now.
'On the Torch'
The creative flow has inspired my life as far back as I can remember, expressed early through theatre and poetry. I was born, raised, and artistically nurtured in the downtown arts community of St. John's, Newfoundland. I studied Sociology and English at Memorial University while dabbling in theatre, visual arts, writing, and percussion in the vibrant community. In 1997, at the age of 21, I travelled to India on a Canada World Youth cultural exchange. I spent four months living in the village of Vaso, in the western province of Gujarat. I was immensely inspired by India's traditions of quality craftsmanship, and I left the country fuelled with a desire to find my way towards a creative life. I decided to travel west to British Columbia, and by serendipitous chance found myself sharing a home with lampworking glassblowers.
My first effort on the torch in the summer of 1998 was a series of 'mushroom' marbles that looked more like tadpoles. Welded together, they made a pretty large marble. Immediately I was incited with a passionate inspiration by the infinite creative possibilities and beautiful light effects that could be made lampworking borosilicate glass. I began an apprenticeship with glassblower PJ Taylor, and devoted myself to the craft with a vision of infusing my hands with the capacity to create beautiful glass.
Lampworking borosilicate glass involves using a torch flame fueled by an oxygen/propane gas mix to heat the glass freehand to the melting point, where it can be shaped, designed, and blown in a wide variety of specific techniques. Once completed, glass pieces are annealed in a kiln. At the molten level, glass is flexible like taffy, and the colour palette allows for some wonderful hues and striations of shade. Borosilicate glass (hard glass; the same type of glass as used in Pyrex cookware) is especially good to work with as its increased hardness makes it highly resistant to breakage. It has also holds a very refined clarity.
The momentum involved in the process is exciting and challenging, while the classic beauty of glass is enchanting. Even after ten years, the allure constantly pulls me to the studio. Whether I'm making small drops or large custom sculptural work, the passion is there. Each piece is made one-at-a-time, and even consistent lines and series have subtle difference to make them one-of-a-kind. I feel the connection best in person when I see people wearing my work, and the feedback I get from my clients. It's also interesting to see what colours and designs appeal to different people. I have found that classic cobalt blue seems to be by and large the world's most favored colour in glass.
My work is available at several stores...if there are none available in your area, please feel free to contact me personally via email concerning sales and custom orders.
love and creativity, kat
The creative flow has inspired my life as far back as I can remember, expressed early through theatre and poetry. I was born, raised, and artistically nurtured in the downtown arts community of St. John's, Newfoundland. I studied Sociology and English at Memorial University while dabbling in theatre, visual arts, writing, and percussion in the vibrant community. In 1997, at the age of 21, I travelled to India on a Canada World Youth cultural exchange. I spent four months living in the village of Vaso, in the western province of Gujarat. I was immensely inspired by India's traditions of quality craftsmanship, and I left the country fuelled with a desire to find my way towards a creative life. I decided to travel west to British Columbia, and by serendipitous chance found myself sharing a home with lampworking glassblowers.
My first effort on the torch in the summer of 1998 was a series of 'mushroom' marbles that looked more like tadpoles. Welded together, they made a pretty large marble. Immediately I was incited with a passionate inspiration by the infinite creative possibilities and beautiful light effects that could be made lampworking borosilicate glass. I began an apprenticeship with glassblower PJ Taylor, and devoted myself to the craft with a vision of infusing my hands with the capacity to create beautiful glass.
Lampworking borosilicate glass involves using a torch flame fueled by an oxygen/propane gas mix to heat the glass freehand to the melting point, where it can be shaped, designed, and blown in a wide variety of specific techniques. Once completed, glass pieces are annealed in a kiln. At the molten level, glass is flexible like taffy, and the colour palette allows for some wonderful hues and striations of shade. Borosilicate glass (hard glass; the same type of glass as used in Pyrex cookware) is especially good to work with as its increased hardness makes it highly resistant to breakage. It has also holds a very refined clarity.
The momentum involved in the process is exciting and challenging, while the classic beauty of glass is enchanting. Even after ten years, the allure constantly pulls me to the studio. Whether I'm making small drops or large custom sculptural work, the passion is there. Each piece is made one-at-a-time, and even consistent lines and series have subtle difference to make them one-of-a-kind. I feel the connection best in person when I see people wearing my work, and the feedback I get from my clients. It's also interesting to see what colours and designs appeal to different people. I have found that classic cobalt blue seems to be by and large the world's most favored colour in glass.
My work is available at several stores...if there are none available in your area, please feel free to contact me personally via email concerning sales and custom orders.
love and creativity, kat
Presenting at - In a Small Way IV - Check it out if in the area.
Presenting at - In a Small Way IV - Check it out if in the area.
in a small way IV
miniature works by Galiano Artists
Island's Edge Gallery
Friday November 27
thru December 6 - [2009]
in a small way IV
miniature works by Galiano Artists
Island's Edge Gallery
Friday November 27
thru December 6 - [2009]
