Sabra Richards

I work in welded steel and kiln formed glass. I have the steel cut and then work with the welder to assemble the steel form that will hold the glass. It is a long process with many changes. Once the base is designed and built I start the glass. Before the actual construction I have assembled many different “parts” to be used. I rent time at teh Corning Museum of Glass to use the furnaces to create the cane – a multifaceted and patterned section that I incorporate in teh work. I build components from glass boxes and slice them with a diamond blade saw. I create sections of vertical stripes. When all these are ready I assemble the glass to be used in the sculpture. Each piece of glass is one of a kind. When the design is complete it is fired in a kiln. I have 4 kilns – the largest is 60″. It may be fired several times until I am satisfied with the design. The final firing is done over stainless steel and fiberboard which then shapes the glass. The finished glass is then inserted in the steel base. I also work with large glass shaped sculptures for the wall. This gives me more freedom to explore larger sections of glass. The tables are a new direction and have inserted glass tops – then plate glass to protect the fused glass. Finally – what is work about? It is about space and power and interaction of many things on many levels. I love the sea and use its movement and power as a part of the work. All the glass and design work is done entirely by me. I have help with the cutting and welding of steel.