"A Little History: I work in an art form called fused or warm glass, which is different from blown glass or stained glass, but shares some characteristics of both. While the precise origins of glass fusing techniques are not known with certainty, there is archaeological evidence the Egyptians were familiar with techniques ca. 2000 BCE.

"Fusing was the primary method of making small glass objects for approximately 2,000 years until the development of blown glass replaced its popularity. Fusing was then largely ignored for a long period until it regained popularity primarily in the U.S. in the 1960s.

"My background: I confess that I am not a trained artist. My background includes a degree in mathematics and a career in publishing, both of which may seem like unlikely preparation for creating art. I do, however, draw on both experiences to create my functional and decorative fused glass. I took my first glass fusing class in 2005, and that was the beginning of a new learning adventure and a love affair with the glass medium.

"Working out of my San Luis Obispo home studio, I fabricate a variety of glass forms, some purely decorative and some one-of-a-kind serving pieces. I apply my mathematical training to plan the partition of pieces into pleasing, balanced spaces; and I draw on my knowledge of creativity to embellish and manipulate ideas into unique designs.

"Over the years my skills have improved, and I am able to try new designs that reflect new ideas, materials and techniques. Consciously or unconsciously, I am always gathering ideas and exploring how they can be interpreted in glass. Sometimes, however, a design that easily pops into my brain (usually early in the morning), requires more time, thought, and trial and error to “engineer” the design so that it holds together. And even after the best planning, there are times when I open the kiln to view an unintentional disaster. It’s a continual learning process.

"My art has been featured at: San Luis Obispo Museum of Art; Park Street Galley, Paso Robles; Priory School Performing Arts Galley, Woodside, California; Open Studios, San Luis Obispo; Cambria Art Center; and Beacon Art Show, San Luis Obispo. 

"My art can currently be seen at Park Street Gallery in Paso Robles. 

—Dianne Draze