Perpetual purveyors of the unique, the artistic & the eccentric we are a two person team of collaborative artists who have been working together for over 25 years. All of our work is hand crafted - even the glass beads. We have had the honor of selling and exhibiting our artwork at local, national, and international art shows. Firekin art objects range from contemporary to ancient ...vivid to serene. Every component for our one of kind wearable art is individually selected or crafted by the artists. Many of our creations incorporate Firekin lampwork glass beads that are handmade one at a time in our studio. Often, the materials that we use are either in very short supply such as vintage beads or some treasure that we found and incorporated into the piece. Because of the nature of our artistic process we have chosen not to take custom orders.
Creating art for us is a spiritual process we infuse our art with the creative and spiritual energy that was used to bring the art to life. This process of charging "infusing with energy" is beneficial those who view the art as well as the artist. Often we will be guided to make a piece that is meant for someone we have not met yet...the journey to discovering who will adopt that piece is wondrous. If you find yourself inexorably attracted to a Firekin art object go ahead and indulge...you’re worth it!
Using the ancient technique of lampworking we individually create each bead. The molten glass is worked in a propane oxygen flame at temperatures in excess of 2000 degrees. We use Moretti Effetre glass imported from Italy and dichroic glass which is a dazzling mix of colors that changes before your eyes. Molten glass is wrapped around a stainless steel rod, (called a mandrel) which has been dipped in a clay based bead release, to prevent the glass from sticking. Layers of glass, color, detail and shimmering effects make each bead like no other. To embellish and add intricate details we use gold, silver, luster powders, enamels, and ground glass to enhance the look of the vessels and beads we create. The fluidity and movement of the molten glass is frozen in time as the surface and core temperature is gradually lowered and then each bead is annealed in a kiln overnight for lasting strength and durability. After soaking the beads in water to loosen the bead release, the beads are removed from their stainless steel mandrels and cleaned of the separator using diamond files. Historically, beads have been the basis of most primitive economies, as well as a strong root for culture and ritual of ancient communities. Every important archaeological dig has proven this by uncovering beads and ornamentation of some sort. The contemporary art glass movement has seen a wonderful resurgence of this ancient and respected art form.
Our inspiration is derived from myriad sources geometric, cellular, molecular and genetic structures to more abstract concepts of space/time and spirituality. Creating art beads is a deeply meditative practice for us each microcosm of glass is imbued with intention and spirit. We enjoy teaching others the ancient art of making beads - to dance with fire, molten glass and their own spirit of inspiration.
Terri Shupenko kelly trost