Glass fusion is an art that can take many forms such as functional pieces like dishes or fun and inspirational items that are purely decorative. Essentially, fused glass art is created with stacked glass pieces that have been fired (heat-processed) in a kiln at a range of high temperatures from 1,099°F to 1,501°F to fuse together. There are three main distinctions for temperature application and the resulting effect on the glass. Firing in the lower ranges of these temperatures is called “slumping” which results in a dish-shaped piece. Firing in the middle ranges is considered "tack fusing" and the result will be a textured surface.Firing the glass at the higher part of this range, commonly described as a"full fuse,” will yield a completely flat result. All three of these techniques can be applied to one glass work in separate firings to add a variety of depth, relief, and shape. Once fired, the glass must cool. This cooling takes place over many hours and in stages so that the glass becomes stable and strong. The science of bringing glass from a solid-state to a molten state and back to solid is an art form in itself and sometimes unexpected results can alter a piece for better or worse. The ability to predict what a given outcome will be has taken Amy years of practice and experience.
