The Basement Lowdown

The Studio

The artists enjoy traveling all over to spend time with amazing glass teachers. Previous teachers include, Larry Brickman, Kimberly Jo Affleck, Sabina Boehn,& Davide Penso (Murano, Italy).

The Process

The type of glasswork Tasha & Lincoln do is called "lampworking" or "torchwork". They start by placing a glass rod in the flame of my oxygen/propane torch. They work with many different types of glass (effetre/vertofond, borosilicate, Bullseye, many different types of 96 coes) The glass is heated into a molten ball and applied to a stainless steel mandrel rod used to form the center, or hole of the bead. From this point, different colors, shapes, and textures are added. Both artists experiment with silver foils, metal rods, enamels, etching and glass first to create chemical reactions. Exploring and pushing the boundaries of what the glass can do is endless.

Artist statement

Tasha:
"I work with glass and create with glass because there is a basic fascination inside me for exploring and creating with fire and a substance that can go from molten to rigid and never be considered a solid. Glass is always moving. The colors are intense and vivid and I can form layers and depth by using different application techniques. It takes me from swirling organic patterns to crisp vibrant lines and colors. Each color of glass has a unique chemical recipe. I work with glass because I want to understand how glass moves, interacts, reacts, and changes. I am learning constantly. This drives me to find answers and ways to express myself, which is truly a magnificent feeling."

Lincoln:
"I find glass to be very welcoming as an art, there is so much you can do with glass. From creating very small delicate beads to creating very large pieces. Every time I embark on a glass-creating day I get inspired by my surroundings, and events that have impacted me in the previous several days. Glass has such an innate natural beauty, and can be formed in so many ways that the projects have a boundless realm of possibilities. In my work you can see resemblances of delicate floral scenes to cosmic and ethereal inspired work. People are always amazed that I have created the glass, because they have no idea how glass is formed, it is such an abstract idea to them. I enjoy explaining the process to them especially when I see their faces light-up with the understanding of what actually happens during the process."