"Magic Carpet Tray in Bronze"

Colleen Gyori

"Much of my current work involves glass 'walls,' which are intended to evoke an emotion, or a remembrance of places of natural beauty, or possibly personal places of emotional growth. The pieces have weight and solidity while retaining the fragility and reflective qualities of the glass. My descriptions provide my intent; I hope each will inspire interpretation or questions for the viewer."

Glass artist C Gyori has always had an inherent need to create with her hands, and discovering glass as a medium for expression has completely captured her focus. The qualities of glass reflect the calm and tranquility that she treasures, while the joy of adventure and discovery is expressed in each creation. The natural beauties that abound in North America's Southwest and Northwest often inform her work.

Gyori employs multiple kiln-forming techniques in creating her very personal pieces. Each is formed through multiple firings in a kiln at temperatures that range from 1150-1650 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, the pieces are extensively cold worked and polished to a soft matte finish. Finally, the pieces are again returned to the kiln to form the various gentle curves or vessel shapes.

Gyori is primarily self-taught through exploration and experimentation. She is an avid art appreciator and seeks opportunities to view art of all forms and mediums, though she never misses an opportunity to view glass art. She was privileged to attend the famed Pilchuck Glass School in 2006, and has attended classes at the Bullseye Glass school with renowned Czech glass artist Jiri Harcuba.