The abundant nature which surrounds me on the Mendocino coast, as well as my garden, is a continual inspiration for my art glass. Poppies, frogs, sea fronds, ferns—it all finds a permanent home etched into the hand-blown glass I buy from craftsmen in North Carolina, West Virginia, and Brazil.
The Process goes like this: After receiving the glass and giving it a thorough inspection for any flaws such as air bubbles or hairline cracks, I adhere resist tape to the surface and draw a design that takes into account where any shadows might fall. Once this step is completed I cut the tape with a razor knife, following the lines of the artwork.
Then the glass is taken inside a sandblasting booth where I remove the tape from each grape, flower petal, and feather, sandblasting them one at a time as I go. Slowly, the design I had originally envisioned emerges on the once blank vase.
Another way that I creates three dimension is to blast away part of the rim, melding it into the design. By sculpting the top of the vases, ginkgo leafs reach for the morning sun and Great Blue Herons seem ready to take flight.
My art glass is featured in collections and galleries in Europe, Japan, and the United States. I sell wholesale to fine shops and galleries and directly to private individuals. I also create original pieces on commission.
For those driving up the coast, come and visit my Little River showroom and garden, which inspires me to get into the studio each day.
cmyers@mcn.org
www.cynthiamyersglass.com