Ben Johnson

My work is influenced by occurrences and geometric patterns in everyday life.  I combined these inspirations with an interest in texture and color theory.  All of these factors I use to create patterns in my work that reveal layers of colors within the glass and create a surface texture that completes the idea or experience that I have had.  To achieve these results I first create different colored cups and stuff them inside one another, once I have finished the color process I create the form, then it is cooled in a kiln.  After the piece has cooled I cover the surface with a sand blast resist material and create my designs.  Once I have finished the designs I take it to a sand blasting booth where I blast away material to reveal the layers of color and create a texture on the piece.  Once the blasting is finished I place the piece in an acid bath to bring back the translucency of the glass.