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Wildhorse Gallery |
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Artist ProfileRobin Peck Clow |
 Cottonwood Canyon Glass |
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THE ARTIST Robin Clow is a kilnformed glass artist who revels in the exploration of manipulating glass through the heat of a kiln. Originally from the east coast, she finds many similarities between Steamboat and her home state of West Virginia. She and her husband moved here to run their custom wood manufacturing business shortly after graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder. They have raised two beautiful daughters in this lovely valley. Robin has been working with glass for over twenty years designing flat glass architectural commissions, and about seven years ago progressed to kilnformed glass. She has shown locally and her glass paintings, sculpture, and functional art were recently featured in a two person show sponsored by the Steamboat Springs Arts Council at the historic Depot in downtown Steamboat. At another show, the Lines Into Shape National Juried Show in Estes Park, she was awarded First Place in the Sculpture, Wood, Pottery, and Glass Division for one of her wall hangings. She has studied with Steve Klein, Bob Leatherbarrow, and Brock Craig and Avery Anderson. THE PROCESS Kilnformed glass involves heating pieces of glass to such high temperatures in the kiln (around 1500 degrees) that the glass flows together to become one piece. While most reactions are predictable, many variables can be used to alter the results in unexpected ways. Often the glass is in the kiln up to 48 hours at a time with an average of 6 to 7 firings per piece to achieve the intended results. A tile saw, flat lap grinder, belt sander and sand blaster all help in massaging the glass into it's intended shape. Mica, gold luster, metal inclusions, and enamels can also be utilized to enhance the look. THE ADDICTION / THE PASSION "It has taken me quite a few years to amass the tools, experience, and knowledge necessary to work unhindered in my studio, and the time spent developing my skills has given me a great respect for those who accomplished the same thing over three-thousand years ago. I find the anticipation of what is yet to be seen in an unfinished piece to be a driving force in my creativity, and opening the kiln after a firing evokes anticipation, trepidation, and great expectations. Through my personal transformation as an artist, I feel I have truly discovered my passion with kiln formed glass." |
