Waves
Sculpted pipe glass by husband and wife team, Marsha Blaker and Paul DeSomma

Blaker-DeSomma studied at S.F. State University, and Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, WA.

She is a teacher, and recipient of numerous awards; her work is included in several permanent museum collections, such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; she is represented in galleries nationwide; and, in addition, has frequently been a member of the Chihuly teams internationally, including Venice, Italy, and Notjima, Japan.

"Ice Bowls"

"The most important components in the making of my "Ice Bowls" are the hot glass ( of course) , but also water.

I begin by gathering hot, molten glass out of a 2200 degree furnace. I pour the liquid glass into a metal container filled with water. An eruption of bubbles, steam, and noisy sputtering occurs. The hot glass shatters into small bits that I later incorporate into the "Ice Bowls".

After several other steps to prepare the glass bits, I take a gather of glass to start my bowl. With each layer of glass, color is applied in the form of glass powders. The bowl is rolled through the glass bits to add texture. The piece is quickly quenched in water, meaning the hot glass bubble is immersed into water for a second to create a beautiful crackled surface. Again, the combination of hot glass and cold water results in lively sizzling, crackling sounds.

The bowl is transferred to a "purry", and cut off the blow pipe. The lip or mouth of the bowl is now heated, worked, and shaped. In the final steps, the glass bits are heated with a torch and meticulously built onto the lip and sides of the bowl.

When completed, the piece must go into an annealing oven to cool overnight. The next day, opening the oven is like opening a treasure chest. The brilliant, clear glass bits resemble jewels, or ice, upon gem colored bowls. The results are dazzling."