Glass Artist Amy S. Knight

Amy’s whimsical
yet elegant
designs are the
perfect

of her
irridescent
personality.

Amy is proud to be co-director and a founding member of “Artists along the BItteroot.” It is the mission of AAB to encourage public awareness of artists and fine art artisans living in the Bitterroot Valley by offering a varied art experience to the community and to visitors. AAB provides educational enrichment opportunities through showcase events, lectures and workshops. AAB also works with its membership to pursue excellence and promote creativity.

amy s. knight
goodyear • arizona 406.531.0853

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It has always been hard for me to write about myself. It seems a bit like bragging which I don’t like; but here goes. Fusing glass has been a way for me to reach my creative side.

I have never been able to draw or paint but I do like color. Crayola crayons were my first path to art-that big box with periwinkle, magenta and blue violet to name a few of my favorites! So when I discovered stained glass I dove right in. It was great fun to find [buy] all kinds of textured glass. Then I found out about kiln forming glass or fusing – even better. Gone were the restrictions of making perfect lines or edges! Hurray! So that was the start of my obsession.

My love of cooking has led me to focus on serving ware. Really doesn’t everything look better in a pretty bowl or on a fabulous platter? Even simple buttered green beans look great in a cobalt blue dish. Entertaining is made easier with the cocktail series like the martini and wine themes. The beer theme can double as a mocha or latte depending on the time of day.

As a former nurse practitioner I taught orthopedic workshops and over time my confidence grew so that I was comfortable offering workshops on glass fusing. It is fabulous to see what folks come up with – no experience needed. As always it is a surprise to see what the glass looks like when you open the kiln lid. Glass can shift as it heats so occasionally it does not turn out as you expected which adds to the experience; hopefully for the good!

That’s my story and I am sticking to it!

Each piece I create is done one at a time.

This creative process makes each one unique in it’s
own way.

While pieces in each line will be very similar, they will
never be identical . . .

that is what art-in-glass to wear and for
your home is all about!

The Process of Fusing or Kiln Firing Glass

Glass is considered a liquid and that is what allows it to melt and fuse in the kilns. Each piece of glass is hand cut then thoroughly cleaned before placing them in the kiln. Two or more layers are used and in some instances small shards or bits are added to create depth and interest. The temperature is raised up to 1500 degrees or less depending on the effect that is desired. If a flat piece is the goal the project is completed. However if a bowl or platter is the goal it is back to the kiln in a mold and fired up to melt the glass again to reach the desired shape. Projects may take up to 36 hours to finish as the larger the piece the slower the temperature changes can take place. There is an art and science to the heating and cooling or the glass will shatter or fog up in the kiln. Learning this process is never ending.