I primarily fuse glass, though some of my pieces are kiln cast using a lost wax process. Glass fusing is one of several ancient glass art techniques. A kiln shelf is the surface on which crushed glass or hand-cut and ground glass sheets, for example, can be melted together to create marvelous images. Different effects can be achieved at different temperatures and with multiple firings, and the final result can be shaped in a final kiln firing by slumping the glass into a mold.
Something that characterizes much of my work is that I often bring movement as well as form to glass. Many of my pieces are motivated by my love of the Northwest. A common theme is flow across the glass, as seen in my Cascade series and Boulder Flows. My work often involves precise glass-cutting and grinding to create the design. Some Boulder Flow plates involve precise detailing in highlighting the abstract iridescent or dichroic boulders.
Other pieces are static but accent abstract asymmetry and contrasts. In Window in Black, the asymmetric translucent window is embedded in opaque glass, which is tightly fused to present a seamless frame.
My work also features forged and welded steel bases that I make in collaboration with my husband, Michael Toelle, to complement the design of the glass. I also make many of my own slumping molds.
This is glass art intended for display purposes only.