Altyn discovered his unique approach to stained glass panels through inspiration and experimentation, after taking one weekend of stained-glass technique lessons on a lark more than 20 years ago. From that very first weekend to now, every single step in the process is a challenging self-satisfying invitation to flow, to focus solely on the creative task and the immediacy of vision, tactile response, and result. Altyn creates unique decorative stained-glass panels to be enjoyed hanging in front of a window or on a wall. Altyn’s creative process begins with selecting sheets of rolled art glass whose texture, translucence, reflectivity, pattern, and color invoke nature in the way of impressionist landscape paintings. Altyn may see the principal lines of a panel suggested in the glass itself or he may follow a sketch made from say a mountain or a sea island view. He cuts simple lines using traditional hand-held glass scoring tools. Longer, intricate, high-risk lines are achieved with a wet ring-saw. Each piece of cut glass is “foiled” on the edge using thin, narrow copper tape. A foiled glass puzzle-piece must mate closely with its neighbors to prevent solder from falling through during assembly. Matching a line in adjoining glass requires tracing the line onto vellum, cutting out the vellum pattern, gluing it to the next piece of glass stock, and cutting that glass precisely along the adhered pattern. A wet grinder can adjust the fit. The cut and foiled pieces are soldered into place. The final work is framed in copper, with copper patina to brighten the solder.https://www.altynclarkglass.com
Bobby Harr
“Vibrantly Colorful Fused & Kiln Formed Glass Art Judaica and Art Objects”
I create fused & kiln formed glass Judaica and Art Objects. Pieces that are more than just fused glass, but glass that is infused with vibrant color and life. For the thirty five years that I have lived in Arizona, I have described myself as, as Colorful as the Desert Sky at Dusk. Now I create art that evokes those same emotions. Black, like the night sky, is the base color for much of my work. I use Dichroic glass to create the vibrant colors. The properties of this glass cause it to change colors as light moves across it. Like the desert sky at dusk, I blend unusual combinations of these ever changing hues to create my pieces.
My journey into the world of glass began in 1998, although almost unknowingly these were the first pieces I would seek out in Galleries. I find it interesting that glass is made mostly of Silica, which like my desert is sand. Strangely this desert oasis was not abundant with glass artists when I started.,so except for a few basic classes and seminars, I am basically self-taught. This allowed me the freedom to part from the norm and define my own style.
My work has been in over 200 Galleries & Shops across the US and Canada including The Jewish Museum in NYC and the Skirball in LA. I have taught Fused Kiln Formed Glass to over 900 students the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.http://bobbyharr.com
Michael Mangiafico
Michael Mangiafico is a glass artist and teacher living and working in Pittsburgh PA. He graduated with a BFA in glass art from Carnegie Mellon University in 1985, and has continued his education by attending as well as instructing glass art seminars across the US and abroad. In 1996 Michael built a glass studio FiG Studios- Forms in Glass. He creates sculptures and craft items from glass by blowing, casting, coldworking, and torch working. Michael’s forte is in making representation of delicate insect forms. FiG Studios has work in fine art galleries around the country.
Stevo Sadvary
Stevo Sadvary, who grew up in Washington county and studied weaving and textiles at Edinboro University and Information Science at the University of Pittsburgh, has lived in Pittsburgh since 1989. And his creativity bubbles over into all sorts of other interesting areas, from painting to songwriting to web designing.
Yet Stevo’s enduring fascination with tile and glass forms the real body of his work – and his success. He has completed numerous private mosaic commissions ranging from kitchen backsplashes, floors, showers, house number plaques, and fireplaces to pet portraits, schools, corporate lobby art, and commercial signage – in areas ranging from Puerto Rico to Florida and Maryland. Stevo’s spirited nature is also evident in his many public art pieces throughout the Pittsburgh area.
www.stevosphere.com