Techniques

Jeff enjoys learning new techniques for both forming and coloring glass. As a result he has developed a large repertoire, with many variations. This permits him to make an endless variety of distinctly different pieces of glass or to make a series of related pieces, each with interesting variations.

One of his favorite techniques is called crackle glass. This challenging technique, which is rarely practiced today, was invented in 16th century Venice. It involves briefly plunging the hot ball of glass into cold water. This causes small cracks to form in the outer layer. With further working the cracks become larger and quite dramatic.

 Shapes

Jeff makes a variety of shapes, primarily vases, bowls, plates, ornaments, and paperweights. But I also make sculptural and "fun" objects, such as bird houses.

He frequently lets the "glass decide" what it wants to be. That is, while working a piece it may (seemingly on its own) take on a shape somewhat different than what he had originally planned. Such pieces are often the ones he likes the best.

Color

Jeff loves color--and it shows in his work. He particularly likes bold, opaque colors in both harmonizing and contrasting combinations. One of his favorite ways of adding striking color to a piece is to use dichroic glass. This is glass that has been specially processed so that it has many very thin coatings of metallic films. The result is a glass that transmits one color while reflecting another---thus its name, which means two colors. The dramatic effects resulting from the use of dichroic glass are not attainable by any other technique. He also likes to use special colorants that add a bright, metallic sheen to the surface of his pieces. These most often have intense silver or gold tones that make a piece quite spectacular.