Why Glass? The Beauty of Light, Nature, and Sculpture

Discover why glass is such a compelling medium for sculpture, from its ability to hold and transform light to its expressive connection with nature, water, and sky. Learn how glass and welded steel create balance, depth, and lasting beauty in garden, patio, and public artworks.

Why Glass?

Glass is endlessly compelling because it holds and transforms light. It changes throughout the day, responding to sun, shadow, and its surroundings in a way few materials can.

For me, glass is a way to capture the fleeting beauty of nature—water, sky, stones, and plants—and translate those moments into lasting sculpture. I’m especially drawn to its ability to express water and heavenly bodies, the kinds of forms and movements that feel both expansive and deeply personal. When glass is combined with welded steel, the contrast between the two materials creates a sense of balance: the softness and luminosity of glass meeting the strength and structure of steel.

Glass is both delicate and durable, asking for patience, precision, and trust in the process. Through layering, kiln firings, and thoughtful structure, it becomes depth, color, and movement.

I’m especially drawn to the way glass interacts with place. In a garden, patio, or public space, it shifts with the light and invites viewers to slow down and look again. That responsiveness gives the work a sense of quiet magic.

May is Mayhem!

For the month of May is seems like a 45-day month.  It's the focus of moving sculptures, cleaning them and re-installing them in new locations. It's only the middle of month and I've been to Longmont, Lafayette, Farmington, NM, St. George, UT, Glenwood Springs, Highlands Ranch, Greenwood Village, Englewood, Lowry Township... and I'm sure I am forgetting something.  I did! Greeley and Aurora.

Coming up is Castle Rock, Littleton, Lone Tree, Lowry (again), Greenwood Village (again), Westminster... and I'm sure there's more.

I am grateful for my truck, "Big Brother", the trailer and my favorite driver and helper, Robert.  Without the assistance of so many city officials and their crews, it would not be possible.  So many great characters to meet everywhere I go from the community and other artist

What holds in the future? I am almost finished with a new piece and laying the groundwork to start a new one.  Both reflect the importance of water and the relationship to the resiliency of the Western landscape. I have a commission that will head to Salida, CO once it's finished.  The City of Longmont is purchasing "Butterflies Within a Butterfly".

I wish I could find a magic carpet that could pull a trailer. Of course, my bike comes too!

The Art of Creating “Blue Droplets”: From Inspiration to Kiln-Fired Magic

There’s something mesmerizing about the way water moves—how a single droplet can catch the light, ripple across a surface, and leave behind a sense of calm. “Blue Droplets” was inspired by quiet moments spent along Colorado’s rivers, watching sunlight dance across the current and noticing the endless shades of blue that appear with every shift in the sky.

Inspiration: Nature’s Palette

The idea for “Blue Droplets” began with a simple observation: the way water droplets form, reflect, and refract light. Whether it’s morning dew on wild grass or the shimmer of a river at dusk, these moments are fleeting but unforgettable. The goal was to capture that sense of movement and clarity in glass—something both delicate and enduring.

The Technical Process: Layer by Layer

Creating “Blue Droplets” starts with selecting a palette of glass in varying shades of blue, from deep cobalt to soft aqua. Each droplet is hand-cut and shaped, then carefully arranged on a base layer. Powders and frit are added to create subtle gradients and depth, echoing the complexity of water itself.

Once the composition is set, the piece enters the kiln for its first firing. The heat fuses the layers together, smoothing edges and intensifying the colors. Sometimes, a second or even third firing is needed to achieve the perfect balance of gloss and translucency. The process is part science, part intuition—each firing brings surprises, and no two droplets are ever exactly alike.

Artistic Reflection: Embracing the Unexpected

One of the joys of working with fused glass is the element of surprise. The kiln transforms the raw materials in ways that can’t always be predicted. Sometimes the blues blend in unexpected ways, or a tiny bubble forms, adding character and dimension. These “happy accidents” are what make each “Blue Droplets” piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Bringing It Home: Art That Lasts

Durability is always top of mind. Each droplet is designed to withstand the elements, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor display. Whether catching sunlight in a window or adding a splash of color to a garden, “Blue Droplets” is meant to bring a sense of wonder and tranquility to any space.

Join the Journey

Sharing the process behind each piece is as important as the finished work itself. If you’re curious about the techniques used or want to see more behind-the-scenes moments, feel free to reach out or follow along on Instagram @anniemariedesign. Every “Blue Droplets” piece is a celebration of movement, light, and the enduring beauty of the natural world.

Let's talk about the Magic of Glass

There’s a certain magic in transforming raw materials into something both beautiful and functional. In the studio, technical mastery is at the heart of every piece—whether it’s kiln-firing layers of glass to capture the movement of water, or engineering a clever solution like a handmade mousetrap for the workspace.

Glass art begins with careful observation and planning. Each piece is built up through multiple firings, with temperatures precisely controlled to fuse colors and textures without sacrificing strength. The process demands patience: from cutting and layering the glass, to monitoring the kiln as it cycles through hours of heat and gradual cooling. Stainless steel frameworks are welded by hand, ensuring that every sculpture or panel is as durable as it is luminous.

That same inventive approach extends beyond the artwork. Sometimes, the studio calls for practical solutions—like designing a custom mousetrap to keep the creative space in harmony. It’s a reminder that artistry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about problem-solving, experimentation, and a willingness to get hands-on with every challenge.

Whether crafting a vibrant orb or a simple tool for the studio, the process is rooted in curiosity and technical skill. Each creation—artwork or mousetrap—reflects a commitment to quality, ingenuity, and the enduring spirit of making.

Take a look at the website AnnieMarie Design.  Enjoy a taste of really imaginative glass work!

"Twisted Tree": A turn with nature

 Nature has a way of teaching us resilience, and the "Twisted Tree" sculpture embodies this lesson beautifully. Standing at an impressive 12 feet tall, this piece is a striking blend of mild steel, powder coat, fused glass, and solar lights, creating a visual narrative that speaks to both the challenges of life and the beauty of the natural world.

The twisted tree is not just a sculpture; it’s a metaphor for the journey we all navigate. Much like a tree that has endured harsh weather, bending and twisting over time, this artwork reflects the setbacks and triumphs that shape our lives. The spiral trunk serves as a reminder that resilience can emerge from adversity, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s world.

The interplay of glass and steel in this piece also highlights pressing environmental issues, particularly the challenges of climate change affecting water resources in the West. The vibrant colors of the fused glass evoke the beauty of nature while simultaneously advocating for its preservation. This duality invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with the environment and the importance of sustainability.

Creating "Twisted Tree" involved a meticulous process, including multiple kiln firings to achieve the perfect fusion of glass. Each layer tells a story, capturing the essence of the Western American landscape and its ever-changing climate. The integration of solar lights adds a magical touch, illuminating the piece at night and inviting contemplation.

Art is not merely decoration; it’s a conversation starter, a way to connect with our surroundings and each other. This sculpture stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the stories that art can tell. 

For those interested in bringing a piece of this narrative into their own space, "Twisted Tree" is available for viewing and purchase. It’s more than just a sculpture; it’s an opportunity to support an artist’s journey and to engage with the themes of nature and resilience.

Explore the beauty of "Twisted Tree" and let it inspire your own reflections on life and the environment