Friday, July 24, 2009

What is Buddha Kitty Glass?

Buddha Kitty Glass has a long and passionate relationship with all types of glass art. My love of glass goes back many years. During a college trip to Europe, I became fascinated with the stained glass in the cathedrals. Upon returning home, I took my first class in glasswork and learned how to make stained glass windows. This served as a wonderful introduction to the world of glass art. From there I began to learn glass bead making and became intrigued by the amazing transformation that takes place in glass once heat is applied. These glass beads became parts of handmade jewelry that I gave to friends and occasionally sold at small craft fairs. A cross-country move and new neighbors served as my introduction to fused glass. My new neighbors in Virginia commented on a glass bead necklace I had made which turned into a discussion about kiln formed glass. My neighbor’s mother taught fused glass. We talked about my fascination with glass she suggested I try one of her mother’s class. I signed up for her class and was immediately captivated by kiln formed glass. Shortly after the class, I purchased my first small kiln and began perfecting the art of fused glass in my basement. Several years later and after a few more classes in fused glass techniques, I relocated back to the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle area is renowned for its glass art and became a wonderful location to continue to pursue fused glass. I continued my study of fused glass and kiln formed glass at Pratt Fine Art Center. After several years of learning new warm glass techniques and studying under some phenomenal artists, I decide to try my hand at selling my work. Thus in January 2009, I launched Buddha Kitty Glass. When I am not fusing glass for Buddha Kitty Glass I also serve as a docent at the Museum of Glass leading tours of the beautiful glass art collections. Being a docent at the Museum of Glass is another way for me to share my enthusiasm for glass art with others. The lovely fused glass sold at Buddha Kitty Glass is also available at the monthly indie urban craft and art fair I Heart Rummage at Chop Suey in Seattle, Washington. Stop by sometime and see us, we would love to meet you!

7 comments:

  1. Welcome to blog world :)
    Great to meet you! Come stop by anytime!

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  2. Welcome to blog land!! Warning: you will get addicted to blogging! LOL
    I love your shop - you are amazing items!!

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  3. THAT PIECE IS GORGEOUS!!! And in my first week of blogging, I'm gonna have to sat "ditto" to what Audrey said about getting addicted to it!

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  4. Welcome to the blogosphere! Your stuff is gorgeous!

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  5. You make beautiful glass! Just followed your blog. I recently updated mine with a beaded belt buckle I finished:
    http://tranquility-base-designs.blogspot.com/

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  6. I am looking forward to reading your blog. Your background in glass is nice to know - working at a glass museum must give you a lot of insight into glass work from a different perspective.

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