Art on the Ridge

Colleen Cotton

Colleen Cotton - Kiln Formed Glass

As an artist of many media since childhood, I became fascinated with fusing glass years ago. As a media, it is relatively scarce, and thus offers me the opportunity to explore an unusual material that has the creative tension of fluid and solid, soft and hard properties. Living and working in the country, I am inspired by the colors of nature. Oranges, reds, purples, yellows and greens are the palette that surrounds me every day.

Fused glass is an ancient art form dating back approximately 4,000 years. With this in mind, I insist on being a ‘purist’, using only the most basic of hand tools in an effort to explore the medium in its original form – no power tools such as grinders, saws, or polishers are used. Merging shapes, colors changing and transforming with the play of light and shadow or with the reactions to extreme temperatures are the foundation of my work.

The fusing process involves cutting, layering, repeated melting and cooling of compatible type glass. Each piece of glass used in the process is handmade, bringing its own character to the work. Each kiln firing takes 12-14 hours, at temperatures in excess of 1200°, and, most of the work must go through multiple firings to achieve the desired result. Thus, each work is a product of intense time and labor inputs.

As in nature, there is an element of surprise with every piece I create. Working with glass offers exploration and use of its innate qualities - visual, liquid and solid, and the reactions at extreme temperatures. Singing colors meet, merge, overlap. The shapes are organic, fluid and natural, as well as highly stylized. They contain elements found in nature such as the undulating edges, and at the same time exhibit enforced patterns and color variations. As in nature, each item is unique - even if attempted, no piece can be duplicated.

I frequently employ a 'mosaic' technique on many of the pieces that gives different views from all sides as well as through the layered works. Bold, inventive color combinations, constantly changing and intensifying with the surrounding light - the effect is like finding a hidden secret. I also enjoy embedding other compatible materials within the glass - yet another wonder to discover.

All products are individually created to inspire a sense of serenity and connection with the outdoors when viewed or used. Each of the materials has a distinct personality, often dictating the final form of the product. Hence, all items are markedly unique.

Treat these original, one of a kind works as you would fine china.

Art on the Ridge Event

Art on the Ridge is Around the Corner!
September 17th and 18th from noon to 5 p.m.

It's almost time for Bennett Ridge Community's Art on the Ridge Event! We hope you can join us for this year's two day, open studio tour! There are 13 artists in this year's event, and the artists are concentrated at five location. All locations are on Bennett Ridge and just a very short drive apart. Some of the locations serve refreshments.

Artists include: Mark Trombetta - digital photography, A.J. Trombetta - beaded and wire wrapped jewelry, Jerry Pugh - mobile sculpture, Heartfire - beaded jewelry and kiln formed glass, Monica Bettcher - glass drawings and vessels, Tom Berto - acrylic paintings, Anna Wingfield - aroma therapy, Colleen Cotton - kiln formed glass, Stan Sommer - paintings and drawings, Karen Sommer - monoprints and sculpted paper fragments, Kate E. Black - fused and cast glass art, Chuck Quibell, wood turning, and Sherry Parker - mixed media/collage.

Bennett Ridge is located in the beautiful hills of the Bennett Valley, roughly between Sonoma Mountain Road and Warm Springs Road. Nearby attractions include Matanzas Creek Winery, Benziger Winery and Jack London State Park.