J. David Norton
Statement
My intention in glass is to create a “gateway” experience for the viewer. I want them to be pulled into a three-dimensional portal that’s powered by light. I believe natural landscapes are the perfect invitation to step over a threshold momentarily, into a place that feels better. Maybe the image recalls a distant memory and emotion, or maybe it’s a new place to be explored and felt. They should want to go “around the bend” or “deeper into the woods” to see and feel what’s there. To get there, I create imagery that’s impressionistic, yet representational.
Process
My fused glass art is composed of clear sheet glass and crushed glass called “frit”. The frit comes in various colors and grain sizes. I use many different application methods to arrange the frit into an image. No paint is involved in the process, it’s all glass. I fire the glass in a kiln at about 1450 degrees, and slowly cool down. I combine design elements in different planes with additional sheet glass, frit, and firings. This adds detail and depth to the art glass. I pursue light and shadow by using transparent and opaque glasses – allowing light to pass through some areas, while holding it back in others. Where light is allowed through, it’s bathed in the intensity of pure colored glass.
