Kiln-fired glass

Welcome to my world of glass. I create custom kiln-fired glass art, also known as fused glass. I am located in Midlothian Virginia.

Art is creativity manifested through many expressions. Whether it’s paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery, architecture, glass, literature, music, theater, or dance, it heightens your senses and brings pleasure and joy into your life.

In my case, it’s about glass. I began this journey in the early 2000s when I begin taking classes at the Visual Arts Center in Richmond, formally known as the Hand Workshop. I went in many directions- stained glass, metal-crafted jewelry, welding, poetry, and finally glass fusing. I loved it. I bought a kiln in 2004 and was on my way. I settled into glass fusing and additionally creating metal-crafted jewelry.

When I began, I focused on utilitarian creations, such as plates, bowls, vases, and some sculptural pieces. Now I primarily enjoy making sculptural designs and landscapes and seascapes, plus suncatchers, and garden art.

My design inspiration comes from every-day life, primarily nature. As I take my walks, whether in the mountains, at the beach, by the river, or just in the neighborhood, I am looking for ideas. While I enjoy the creative process, there is nothing that compares to the pure pleasure of opening the kiln after the fuse has completed to see a successful creation. And of course, there is real disappointment when a piece has cracked or something has shifted unexpectedly. While frustrating, it is also a learning experience in what went wrong.

A full fuse melts all hand-cut pieces of glass that have been arranged into a design. Then it is often fired a second time in a tack fuse to add more texture and color. Depending on what I am making, there might be a third fuse, called a slump, which takes the shape of the final piece, such as a bowl.

I enjoy using dichroic glass, which has been coated with metallic oxides, and when fired, it causes a color shift that is magical and mesmerizing.

I got away from my artistic creativity for some years due to life situations, but I have recently re-discovered glass fusing, and I am back in a fun and fulfilling way. It feels good, so I say, “Welcome home Gail “

Contact information:

Gail Perry Designs

Gailperrydesigns.blog

804 216-3777

email- Elliegperry@ gmail.com