Tori…art on fire

Art washes away from the soul
the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso

Lampworking is the term used
for working with hot glass in a flame.
I currently work with Effetre/Moretti glass
in a oxygen/propane mix torch.

To make each bead,
I heat glass rods to a molten state,
approximately 1400 degrees, and then
wrap the glass around a steel mandrel.
The bead is then worked in the flame
as additional glass colors are added
to finish unique designs.

Although at first glance
some beads appear the same,
each is actually it's own tiny work of art.

Once the beads are finished,
they are placed in a kiln to be annealed
for lasting durability and to ensure
that the beads and jewelry you purchase today
will maintain their beauty for generations to come.