Featured Artist: Ann Cavanaugh
Today we welcome glass artist Ann Cavanaugh to our blog. I met Ann at the opening gallery night for Open Studios of Clark County in November. I was fascinated by her process and how she described a glass technique that is similar to batik in textiles.
Here is what she had to say about her work.
As I look over my glass work, I can see I have always had a passion for nature and an appreciation of color and texture. From the very first I knew that fusing glass would be my medium and my passion. I was drawn to the depth and complexity that were possible by building layers of glass into translucent images of amazing emotional power. Every piece I create is exciting and represents new learning. Each time the kiln is opened its like Christmas - wonderful and exciting.
I love the process and the problem solving that is involved in taking the raw glass material and creating new parts of an image that I have imagined. Equally important to me is sharing my technique so that others can have the excitement and joy I experience every time I open the kiln. I find myself more involved in the process than in the finished product. I have had the luxury of being able to play with glass and find my way without too many rules. Much of what I do is problem solving. I am constantly learning. I have also had some very wonderful and giving teachers.
If you peek into my studio, you will find me totally absorbed and knee deep in beautiful colors and glass. Music will be on and I will be dancing around as I grab jars of frit off the shelves and pull sheets of glass out of bins. My studio is my special safe place.
My studio is a converted and expanded RV shed. The front part has my kilns, work tables, two large kilns, glass bins, and walls of frit. A wood stove sits toward the back with two funky turquoise retro chairs near by. A sweet lab-looking dog usually occupies one of the chairs. Walled off from the front area is the cold-working area. This is where glass is cut and polished, and messy work, such as mold making occurs. Located away from my main studio is my sandblaster.
My kilns are essential and hard working. My cold-working area makes my studio a bit different. I have several grinders, flat laps, pneumatic tools and a 10” tile saw. All the work here requires water. I have a water heater which helps with comfort. My favorite tool is my saw. With it I can edit, sculpt, and finish my glass pieces. Polishing the edges of my work is essential in providing a professional product. I feel good about sharing this area and equipment with artists who do not have these tools available to them.
