Just in from glass artist Bob Heath.

Sand-carved handmade glass bowl by Bob Heath

“This technique can be combined with strip-construction to create dramatically patterned pieces however I also use the drop-out method to create vessels which become a canvas for sand-carved imagery similar to cameo glass.”

Painterly plate series by Bob Heath

“I have been an active part of the Oregon glass community, having served on the board of directors of the Oregon Glass Guild for over 10 years, and as its state president in 2012 and 2013.”

Strip-construction glass work by Bob Heath

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“My primary technique is fused glass, but that covers a broad range. I am mostly known for strip-construction work which involves cutting narrow strips of glass and placing them on edge. That technique enables the creation of highly detailed designs. Very often my designs require the creation of multiple component pieces that are fused separately, then subsequently cut, shaped and fused together to create the whole. In 2014, I was honored to have one of my works selected as a finalist in the prestigious Bullseye Emerge Glass Competition which is a bi-annual, international event to recognize and reward emerging glass artists.”

“My artwork is part of many private collections throughout the US and has been featured in exhibitions at many galleries, including The Portland Museum of Contemporary Craft and the Portland Mayor’s office.”

“I do a lot of work with a technique known as drop-out which is used to create vessel shapes such as bowls and vases by carefully managing heat, time and gravity to stretch and shape glass in a kiln. This technique can be combined with strip-construction to create dramatically patterned pieces however I also use the drop-out method to create vessels which become a canvas for sand-carved imagery similar to cameo glass.”

Bob Heath artist statement

“My engineering background expresses itself in my glass artwork, both in terms of design influence and in the precision and attention to detail that I strive for in my glass creations. My work is typically very colorful and often features geometric patterns with strong lines and sharp contrasts. Edges and rims are cold-worked and polished to give them a professional finish.

I like to think that I work not only with glass, but also with light. I love opal glasses for their ability to reflect light and create patterns and transparent glasses for the way they transform light and the colorful shadows they cast.

After working 35 years as an engineer at Tektronix, I retired and am now able to devote my time to my passion for creating glass art. The Pacific Northwest is home to many glass artists, due in large part to the presence of several of the world’s major manufacturers of raw art glass materials and numerous glass schools.

This has given me the opportunity to study with many of the leading artists in the field including; Avery Anderson, Patty Gray, Melissa Paxton, Stacy Smith, Marty Kremer and Richard LaLonde.” (See fun facts below)

Fun facts:

Bob Heath took classes from Richard LaLonde, a cousin to Seaside gallerist Denise (LaLonde) Fairweather.