Kiln Carving is a technique that combines glass fusing and slumping to give a carved/sculpted effect to glass work. The process involves cutting a design in ceramic fiber paper, then stacking glass on top of the pattern, firing the piece in a kiln to 1500 degrees, and then holding it at that temperature for 15 minutes. During firing, the underside of the glass conforms to the ceramic fiber paper pattern, assuming its contours and textures.
For these pieces, additional firings were done to fill those “carved out” areas with crushed glass to create a jewel-like effect which enhances the 3-D effect of the carving. Pieces such as these are displayed best where there is light to help illuminate their shimmering quality.
