Terminal City Glass Co-op is where I am privileged to play -- and I acknowledge fully that I live and create here on the traditional, unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
-- Mary Brown
I have always been captivated by hand made glass creations. As a child growing up in Europe I collected small handmade glass animals. Later, as a researcher in a science lab, I made specialized glassware for specific experiments. Later still, I was introduced to coloured glass
rods that could be brought to molten in the flame of a torch, and shaped into a myriad of styles, colour combinations and sizes. My glass-nerd was exposed and my science brain and artistic brain were now on common ground.
I began to make glass beads using the primordial shaper of the world... fire, and the modern techniques of soft glass sculpting which incorporates chemistry, physics and artistic imagination. It is my hope that discerning art collectors will fall in love with the light catching wonder and uniqueness of my glass creations.
Glass has mesmerized humans since the first piece of volcanically made obsidian was picked up out of the dirt by an ancient hand. Beads were the first known glass objects that were intentionally made by humans and date back to mid-2000 BCE. They were prized and coveted as luxury objects, as they are still today.
Now, glass beads are still created by hand, bead by bead, over propane or natural gas/oxygen torches that bring coloured glass rods to molten at about 900 degrees Celsius.
The wonder and beauty of these beads is as primordial as the elements that create obsidian. The art of Fire and Glass is an extension of an ancient natural phenomenon, bringing the light catching quality and unique beauty of glass to today’s discerning collector.
Let me help you create a piece that is truly special for you.
Commission creations are personal stories or memories made in glass.
All beads begin with a solid rod of glass about the width of your little finger. In order for a bead to be a bead, regardless of shape, color or size it must be crafted with a hole through it in order for numerous to be strung together or strung in solidarity. Using heat, motion and gravity with the skill of the artist, beads are born.
At the Terminal City Glass Co-op, I teach individual and small groups how to make precious little jewels. If you are visiting Vancouver from elsewhere, vacationing, on a business trip or a resident, I offer 3 hour instructional tutorials where we get busy making glass beads. Gloves, goggles, glass and equipment are supplied at the studio.
Reach out to me and I will assist you in scheduling your individual or group learning experience.
These classes are also great for birthday presents, personal learning experiences, hobby discovery or a friend's learning night... let's have a conversation and plan a day or evening that works for you!
One doesn't need any special clothing of equipment to come and learn. Simply safe clothing to be around a flame.
Teaching Assistant, Terminal City Glass Co-op, 2019-2022
Teacher/Instructor, Terminal City Glass Co-op, 2023 to present
International Society of Glass Beadmakers
Pacific Pyros Glass Beadmakers
2018-2024 Member of the Board of Directors
Terminal City Glass Co-op
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