Connie Abuan
I'm obsessed with glass! It is my passion, and there aren't enough hours in the day to do the things I must do and work on my glass. I've spent much of my adult life purchasing glass pieces, but finally, I'm at a point where I can make beautiful pieces for myself.
My entire career was in the technical field of networking and computer application development and support. Never an ounce of artistic talent--or so I thought. I humbly call myself an artist, but others rave about my work, so using the other side of my brain has opened up a new world to me.
I began working with glass over a decade ago and jumped in with both feet, utilizing the saws, grinders, and any tool I could get my hands on. I began purchasing sheet glass with no project in mind or how it would be used. Glass is beautiful and I think I still have some of that original glass I purchased years ago.
I'm most intrigued with the chemistry of glass, the earth elements used to produce the different colors (sulfur, copper, lead, and gold), and how the elements interact with each other when glass is fired. Fusing glass varies across the spectrum, which is what makes glass so interesting. It's always new and unique, even when two or more artists do the same piece. Actually, they are never the same!
I've learned from local talent, and take classes, and I'm self-taught via books and the internet. I combine multiple techniques to get desired effects in a piece.
I have been the Lead for the Fused Glass group at Sun City Anthem in Henderson, NV, for six years. It is my goal to help all newcomers by sharing my knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion. Torchwork is in my future. I can hardly wait to dive in!