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ABOUT THE ARTIST
It was in 1998 at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC), when I first saw a demonstration of Glass Blowing. A light went on in my heart and I immediately knew this is what I want to do the rest of my life.
At College I was blessed with learning from some of the best glass artists. My Professors, Che Rhodes and Bill Boyson, taught me how to create intricate pattern of glass cane (Millefiori Technique) and rolling them onto the surface of the hot vessel. I learned to create the undulating shell-like forms within forms that ultimately formed my skill in creating architectural sculptures, especially Chandeliers.
Lino Tagliapietra, a master glass blower and designer, inspired me greatly and is largely responsible for a new renaissance in glassblowing. He taught me the 1,000 year old traditions of Italian Murano Glass blowing.
What more could I want? I live on Maui, the most beautiful island in the world. My studio is way out in the country on the side of Haleakala…a virtual Garden of Eden and source of much of my artistic inspirations. I have my loving wife Chrissy and my beautiful son Zion.
My glass creations are made with all-natural materials; i.e., Soda Lime, Silica, and Maui’s pure sand mixed with “Lau Wai” (Clear abundant water) and heated in a “glory hole” churning with Pele’s fire (the Hawaiian Volcano Goddess). There’s so much you can do with color and transparency that you can’t do with any other medium. Glass is lovingly blown, rolled, pinched, pulled, twisted and snipped into a myriad of creations.
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