Lynn Ocken
Cedar Rapids, IA
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Transforming glass into functional pieces of art is magical. As glass heats up it flows and bends resulting in truly unique pieces each time. Every time I lift the kiln lid, I feel like I am opening a wonderful gift.
I am inspired by a variety of art mediums including architecture, paintings, and sculptures. I am drawn to the warm earthy colors of autumn as well as the cool tones and neutral creams and whites of winter. At other times, I enjoy a more modern, contemporary, edgier look and use bold, strong primary colors. Keeping in mind how the material responds to the cutting and heating process, I cut and layer glass pieces until the design is cohesive and visually pleasing. Then the work goes into my Olympic kiln and fused at temperatures as high as 1700 degrees. By varying both the temperatures at which the glass melts and the length of time the glass is allowed to be in a liquid state, I can add texture and dimension. To create a specific shape, I use a mold and heat the glass again until the piece conforms to the mold. With a final sanding and fire polishing, the piece is ready to enjoy. Each work can go through the process of melting and reforming numerous times over the course of many days.
In the end, my work reflects who I am: always learning, changing, and growing. The results are one-of-a-kind art pieces that are both functional and beautiful.