Featured Artist: Gordon Yutzy, Bend, Oregon

My journey into glasswork began in 1996 with lampwork bead-making, coinciding with the period when my wife Donna owned a bead shop in Salem, Oregon. Having an outlet for my beads gave me the motivation to create, and bead-making soon became a welcome escape from work and daily routines. Hours spent at the torch allowed me to clear my mind, leading me to experiment with making cabinet knobs. Today, three kitchens feature my handmade knobs.

As the appeal of beads and knobs diminished, I gravitated toward fusing larger pieces. My small bead kiln enabled me to produce small plates, coasters, and various trinkets. In 2006, I acquired a 22-inch kiln, which obviously allowed me to create larger pieces. I produced many plates, dishes, and trays, most of which became gifts to friends. I still use the 22” kiln to create larger wall art.

My fused glass art explores the intriguing interplay between color, light, and geometric forms. I enjoy visiting museums of modern art and gathering inspiration for creating pieces with alternative color patterns working within the constraints of glass.

Gordon will have a booth at the Gathering of the Guilds this April 24-26 at the Portland Convention Center. Stop by and say hello.