ISOFLURANE

For Anesthesia Associates NW, I tried to create a connection with clients space so I started researching anesthetics and I found a picture of an Isoflurane molecule that had a very cool visual rhythm. I stylized the molecule in a full scale pastel drawing. The client liked the image but they wanted it much larger than I had envisioned. That was problematic because my initial idea was to paint the molecules onto large rectangular glass panels. My biggest kiln is 48” x 36”, so I designed my presentation around that size. Increasing the overall project meant I had to revise my concept.

After about a dozen reworks I came up with the concept of treating each element as its own piece of glass connected to the other element with non-glass materials. I made several sketches and models playing with different ideas until I happened up on using stainless steel rings and as my “structure” to display the glass components. I wanted the glass to have depth, colors, fun patterns and an irregular surface. Thick ¼” float glass gave me visual depth without bubbles or flaws but the surface was too perfect. It didn’t have any character. I used sand casting to give the front surface some textural dimension and vitreous enamels fused onto the back side to create strong colors.

All of the parts were assembled on my temporary studio wall then carefully packed up for installation. Everyone seemed extremely pleased with the finished art. I was honored that they believed in my vision. When entrusted to make a commission piece of art I feel it is my obligation to dig as deeply into my creative self as possible in hopes of discovering and building something that will bring life and joy to its new home.