ARTISANS

Brenda Bartnik Olson is a fused glass artist based in the San Bernardino Mountains. Working in both opaque and translucent glass, I melt and shape layers of color in the kiln to create functional pieces meant to be used and enjoyed every day. I'm drawn to the interplay of color and shape, especially to the surprising reactions that occur where different glasses meet, shifting color and creating new lines and edges that emerge in the heat of the kiln. With each piece, I learn something new about the magic and science of glass — a material that meets you halfway between what you plan and what the kiln decides.