Like a glass thumbprint, Marian Fieldson uses the texture and patterns of pāhoehoe (ribbon-like smooth lava rock) to create her illuminated fused glass pieces. She has been honing her glass skills since 1981, studying at the famed Pilchick School with Ginny Ruffner and Bandhu Dunham. She has taken workshops with local Big Island artist Michael Mortara, and goblet-blowing with Brian Kerkliviet. Marian’s work also appeared in a 2002 issue of Glass Art magazine.
As much a celebration of volcanic patterns and color, Marian’s cast pieces are bursting with vibrance and shimmering light. First, Marian takes plaster imprints of cooled pāhoehoe lava. Next, she arranges pieces of iridescent glass over the refractory pattern. In a kiln, they are heated to over 1450° until the glass is fused and liquid. The flat casting is then cooled over many hours to release the energy within. The new fuse cast is heated a second time; this time to slump into bowl form. This is a time-intensive process with many steps, but a labor of love.
Marian says, “I relish the excitement of planning and then discovering what happens in each individual piece as it is created.”
Although Fieldson pieces are durable enough for table use, treat them as you would any piece of fine glass. All materials are safe. Do not microwave.
View more work by Marian Fieldson by visiting her page on our online store here.