Meet Doretha Washington! She is an amazingly creative fused glass artist.
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Saint Louis.
How did you begin working with glass?
I came to Third Degree because of a desire to learn glass blowing. After taking a weekend class, I decided to continue appreciating blown glass created by others. The process was not for me. A few years later the Kiln Studio was created, and that process was very different and appealed to me.
What inspires you?
My glass art is created when a sheet of glass begs to be used in a design; or there is a particular technique that I want to try; or I have seen a piece of glass art and want to create my interpretation. Occasionally, I will create a themed piece for a gallery show.
What’s in your toolbox?
My toolbox – WOW! – take a look at my home workroom. Through the years, I have acquired a variety of glass fusing tools, molds, sheet glass, and glass components.
What are you working on now?
My current project is a pot melt technique. It has been several years since I used this technique. The joy of using glass pieces to create a design as they flow from a ceramic pot with bottom openings to a shelf below never ceases. No two pieces are ever the same.
What experiences do teach and what do you enjoy about teaching?
I was very surprised at the enjoyment that teaching fused glass art has brought to my life. My goals are always to impart some of my passion and love of the art form, while guiding students through the learning process.
Come and visit us to see Doretha’s amazing glass work in our glass art gallery! Or pop by the Fused Glass studio to see where she works!
We’re open Monday-Saturday 10:00a-5:00p and Sunday 11:00a-4:00p.