How does it begin?
I imagine an object, I draw it, and then I transpose the idea with glass. My creative process happens in sync with the material. Glass is not docile. I approach my material delicately, letting it guide me by its shapes, its vagaries, and its limits. I bring out its beauty through simple shapes, letting it keep its true nature and adding my creative touch. My colour enhances its transparency and my drawing highlights its curves.
First and foremost, my approach is intuitive. A necessity creates a need, an object is created. I like to bring art and beauty into everyday life. To render precious the simple act of pressing a lemon or placing flowers in a vase, as if it was a gracious ritual. Objects are memories. Memories of those who gave them, bequeathed them or even made them. Someone once passed on to me the passion of beautiful objects, and now, I have the passion of creating them and of giving them life through my hands and breath.
How is it made?
To keep it simple, glass reaches the point of fusion (2000 degrees farenheit) in a specially designed oven. That oven is on year round, 24 hours a day. With a blowing iron, I pick up glass - a little like taking honey with a utensil. I then work this hot mass with wooden or metal tools, or wet newspaper and I blow into the blowing iron to make a bubble.
The process is long and complex. You have to see it to understand it. Here are some alternatives.
Watch a short video where I demonstrate the making of a citrus press.
Come by my shop to see the process on the spot. It is best to call first, however, as I may have taken some time off since I am not a machine.
Visit these links where you will discover the fascinating world of glass.
Techniques: MCEM - Corning Museum of Glass
Artistic: Carole Frève - Verre Minuit - Galerie des métiers d'art
References for glass-makers: www.aei.ca - www.petergreenwood.com
You have always dreamed of taking a glass-making class? Visit the Espace Verre Web site, Espace Verre, the only glass-making school in Montreal!
| 
