Featured Artist: Kirk Casey, Shelton WA

My initial introduction to glass began in 1975-1977 (blown glass) when I studied under Herb Babcock at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. I was a commercial photography major with a blown glass minor at this fledgling design school. Following this early interest in glass, my studies and career took me in the direction of medicine, from which I ultimately retired after a 25-year career.

Following my departure from medicine, my life became way more interesting when I met Fred Buxton here in Washington. He was my initial fused glass instructor (along with Bullseye online classes) and I remember my first piece of fused glass as a closeup Ahi (tuna) eye. Fred was very encouraging…and I was hooked.

Currently, I am the owner of Enso Art Glass LLC, located in Shelton WA. I’m fortunate to have a 1,000 square foot dedicated studio where I create flat and vessel shaped glass, mostly in larger formats. Based on my previous knowledge of chemistry, most of my work focuses on reactive glass and laboratory grade powdered metals creating new reactive effects.

Most recently, I’ve been experimenting in the use of an airbrush to deposit the powdered metals and Bullseye powder on reactive glass before firing. I’m constantly reading and exploring how I can use products from outside of the glass world to meet my needs, thus experimenting with an airbrush.

I feel strongly that light is an integral part of glass art, and I’ve been experimenting with edge lighting my glass (transillumination) using LED strip lighting. I just completed a 12” x 22” aquarium panel that comes alive at night utilizing LED edge lighting.

I am currently looking for students to share some of these techniques and for us to create together. Please contact me for details. More of my work can be seen in the Members’ Gallery.