ABOUT MASON PARKER

Before I start any significant glass piece I ask myself, “Would I be able to do justice with my glass abilities, to this life form that I witnessed when I was out walking, or saw a picture of in a nature book?” Usually this is a sea creature or insect that I can picture rendering with the already vibrant colors of the sheets of glass, with vein patterns that would flow well with solder joints, and using glass powder frit techniques to get finer details on its small parts.

I proceed to scrutinize pictures and sometimes anatomical information of the actual creature. Then I design a pattern that is big enough to get details but small enough to be practical for home décor. And as I am sure architect Antonio Gaudi found out too, to design and execute something asymmetrical is both as difficult as it is rewarding.

I know a piece has succeeded when people look at photos of it and say, “It looks just like it’s swimming in the ocean," and I appreciate the most common compliment I receive on my damselflies, “I love how you took the time to etch in the detail on their eyes.”

Mason Parker has been creating glass art since 1990 and resides in Oregon.