​Flameworking is a version of glassblowing that uses a flame torch to shape glass into art!
I flamework borosilicate glass in my private RI studio. ​To make a piece, I choose from over 200 different colored glass rods from my shelf and plan out what I want the finished product to look like. Each piece is made one at a time, so no two are the same! I turn on my torch and adjust the ratio of propane and oxygen to achieve the correct flame atmosphere for the piece. I spin a glass rod or tube in the fire until it reaches a molten state, then color and shape it in the flame using a wide variety of techniques. After a lot of patience, time, and crack avoiding, I place the completed piece into a kiln at 1050 degrees where it anneals and cools slowly overnight to reduce stress and ensure durability. I love opening my kiln in the morning to see the results of last night's work! From there the piece is either listed online or brought to a festival.  Check out the video on the right to see me making a piece!

First live glass demonstration