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. 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.
Her studio is located in the historic town of Martinez, California. Her pieces are shown in fine craft galleries nationwide.
Method and Materials
Each glass piece is free formed in flame fueled by a mix of propane and oxygen. The borosilicate glass beads and components are annealed in a kiln, providing more strength and durability. The baroque shaped hollow beads, fabricated in a manner Eloise invented, are sandblasted to give them their final satin finish. The marble beads begin with layers of colored glass, which are then encased or swirled in clear glass, lending a depth of detail. All pieces are then accented by pearls or precious metals.
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.
Her studio is located in the historic town of Martinez, California. Her pieces are shown in fine craft galleries nationwide.
Method and Materials
Each glass piece is free formed in flame fueled by a mix of propane and oxygen. The borosilicate glass beads and components are annealed in a kiln, providing more strength and durability. The baroque shaped hollow beads, fabricated in a manner Eloise invented, are sandblasted to give them their final satin finish. The marble beads begin with layers of colored glass, which are then encased or swirled in clear glass, lending a depth of detail. All pieces are then accented by pearls or precious metals.