About Robin Peck Clow

ROBIN PECK CLOW

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Robin Clow is a kiln formed glass artist who revels in the exploration of manipulating glass through the heat of a kiln. Originally from the east coast, she began her love of glass as a youth at the beach upon discovering crackled glass from lightening strikes in the sand. She worked for many years designing flat glass architectural commissions, and has since discovered the thrill of manipulating glass through heat of the kiln, or kiln formed and cast glass. She and her husband Ronal Clow moved to a small mountain town to run their custom wood manufacturing business shortly after graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder. They have raised two beautiful daughters in the lovely Yampa valley.

ABOUT THE PROCESS:

Kiln formed glass involves heating pieces of glass to such high temperatures in the kiln (around 1500 degrees) that the glass flows together to become one piece. While most reactions are predictable, many variables can be used to alter the results in unexpected ways. Often the glass is in the kiln up to 48 hours or more at a time with an average of 6 to 7 firings per piece to achieve the intended results. A tile saw, flat lap grinder, belt sander and sand blaster all help in massaging the glass into its intended shape. Mica, gold luster, metal inclusions, and enamels can also be utilized to enhance the look. Cold working the piece is usually necessary to achieve the best finish. Open face casting requires one or two hand made one use clay and plaster molds with higher, extended firing schedules followed by extensive cold working.

THE ADDICTION / THE PASSION:

"It has taken me quite a few years to amass the tools, experience, and knowledge necessary to work unhindered in my studio, and the time spent developing my skills has given me a great respect for those who accomplished the same thing over three-thousand years ago. I find the anticipation of what is yet to be seen in an unfinished piece to be a driving force in my creativity, and opening the kiln after a firing evokes anticipation, trepidation, and great expectations. Through my personal transformation as an artist, I feel I have truly discovered my passion with kiln formed glass.

PUBLICATIONS:

FOUNDERS AWARD

Lines Into Shapes National Juried Art Show

"Fish In The Stone" 2011

FIRST PLACE

Sculpture, Pottery, Glass, Wood

Lines Into ShapesNational Juried Art Show

"Daydreaming" 2007

STEAMBOAT MAGAZINE , "Yampa Living"

Article on Using Glass to Highlight a Home

STEAMBOAT ART MUSEUM

"Local Colors" Juried Exhibit of Fall Colors 2008