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Artist
Bio |
| As
a San Francisco Bay Area based artist, Eloise Cotton began
her glassmaking
career in the 1970s while earning her Bachelor's Degree in
Fine Arts from California State University, Chico. She
followed up her degree
with further studies at the Pilchuck Glass School and later
went on to complete works at Correia Art Glass and California
State University,
Northridge. It was a job demonstrating furnace glassblowing
at Magic Mountain Theme Park that finally inspired Eloise
to take up flame
working.
In 1979, Eloise moved to the Bay Area and followed her passion
for flame by launching her own line of flame worked glass jewelry.
Working with borosilicate glass, Eloise’s free form and hand
made pieces feature amazing depth and richness of color drawn
from rare earth elements like silver and gold. Her contemporary designs
both compliment a woman and make a striking statement. Prized
for
their distinct beauty, modern color palette, and supreme wearability,
Eloise’s earrings and neckpieces are much sought after by women
throughout North America.
Recent additions to Eloise’s line include scent
bottles, designed to accompany and enhance her jewelry.
Her studio is located in the historic town of Martinez, California.
Her pieces are shown in fine craft galleries nationwide. |
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"Contrasting
the perceived fragility of glass with the strength of steel
is my metaphor for womanhood.”
“My
sculptural designs represent my fascination with
the idea of capturing the natural fluidity of
hot glass in a permanent form.” |
Method and Materials
Each glass bead is free formed in flame fueled by a
mix of propane and oxygen. The borosilicate glass
beads are annealed
in a kiln, providing more strength and durability.
The baroque shaped hollow beads, fabricated in a manner
Eloise invented,
are tumbled or sandblasted to give them their final
satin finish. The marble beads begin with layers of
colored glass, which are
then encased in clear glass, lending a depth of detail.
All pieces are then accented by pearls or precious
metals.
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