Meet Terry
Say we just met . . .
A few months ago when I came down to breakfast, sitting in my seat I find an 80-year-old version of myself. I haven’t been able to get rid of him since.
I’m old enough to explain where inspiration really comes from. First some background. As a child my father taught me, “Put tools back where you found them.” He built a lot of stuff. My mother taught me, “Don’t leave a mess behind you.” She sewed, had a kiln and painted in oils and water color.
My older brother said, “Let’s make some stuff.” And we did. Lots. My sister said, “Fool with my stuff and I’ll kill you.” But that’s another story.
Inspiration really comes from improving my techniques. Plus, some stuff like looking around. And maybe what people say.
CV:
1968 Bachelor of Architecture, University of California, Berkeley
1983 MBA, University of California, Berkeley
Schilling and Arnold, Architects, 1970’s. Oakland CA.
Powder Glazing
An alternative to liquid paint, powder glazing material was invented in 1945. Primarily used to finish metal objects, it’s found today on automobile parts, appliances, architectural cladding, even eye glass frames. Prismatic Powders, my provider offers over six thousand colors. Many have a range of finishes and textures. The names are fun. I’ve used “Las Vegas Nights”, “Soft Red Candy” and “Spanish Fly.”
The powder is electrostatically charged and is applied in a cloud of fine particles. Like an aerosol but with no solvents or fluids. The powder becomes a glaze in an oven. Much like ceramics but only at 400 degrees. The resulting glaze is more durable than liquid paint.
At Schilling Glass® I’ve developed techniques that enable me to apply this powder on glass. There’s a cycle: mask, powder, cure. Like a stencil, a mask of hi-temp tape defines where the powder goes. It must also protect any prior color areas. In order to draw those electrostatically charged particles to the glass, I use an inner sleeve of copper foil. I preheat the glass to 350 degrees. So, when the powder first hits, it’s instantly changed into a gummy surface. Then into the oven for a 15-minute cure. A drying cycle follows. Each color requires a new cycle, so. Planning the sequence of colors is key to the final result. Once that powder becomes a glaze, we’re done talking about changes.
My Powder Box
I’ve got a compressor. I wear a paper dust mask and gloves. My sun set up a dust-proof both in my garage. Creating a lamp with perhaps five colors requires about a week. I’ve achieved ten separate colors on a single lamp. That’s on an area a little bigger than letter paper. The results are spectacular.
Electrostatic powder coating system: gun, powder coating bottles, High DC voltage
Windex is the only fluid I use in this new glass art medium. There’s no paint, screen printing, etching or 3D generation. Along with colors that are either transparent or opaque, clear glass is part of my palette. Unlike a painting, I’ve got only a top and a bottom when working on cylinders. The edges have to merge. Glass enables images that recombine and transform. From the same viewpoint, you can observe both the front and the back side.
Powder coating booth: glass lamp with copper lining on turntable, compressed air gun blowing on powder. Air filter behind
Art Glass Lamps In-process
Ginko-sun:Two colors of powder glaze.
Splitting Particles: Two colors of powder glaze combined with the raku technique scorched horse tail hairs.
Bow String: Six colors of powder glaze, combined with the raku technique of scorched horse tail hairs.
Borosilicate Glass
Schilling Glass lamps are made of borosilicate glass, which is extremely durable. However, it is glass. If dropped on the floor, it will break. The finish is durable. Wipe off fingerprints with a soft cloth and glass cleaner. The lamp and its bamboo base can be handled and relocated easily.
Where to Place your Lamp
Striking in any setting, these unique art glass lamps are impressive even without being lit with their LED from within. In subdued lighting, turning on the LED reveals new colors and shadows that project onto any backdrop. For the most stunning effects, use the lamp in any display setting where you can dim the lights. Place the lamp next to a wall or set it on a reflective surface. You won’t be able to take your eyes off of it.
People like ’em . . .
Amazing Artwork! The Unique Process used by the artist and his skill, creates one-of-a-kind pieces which captivate the viewer. We placed ours so when darkness falls, we have a light show of shifting color. Exceptional Creativity mark these works.
Larry P., Irvine CA
Vimenu Lions kluba Slovenj Gradec, Slovenija, Evropa, iz srca hvala Terryju, ki je iz plakata naše nagrajenke ustvaril edinstveno svetilko – umetnino, ki ne le razsvetljuje prostor, temveč nosi sporočilo miru za ves svet. Njegova stvaritev je nekaj posebnega in neponovljivega. Hvala, Terry!
On behalf of the Lions Club Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia, Europe, a heartfelt thank you to Terry, who created a unique lamp from our award winner’s poster – a work of art that not only illuminates the space, but also carries a message of peace for the whole world. His creation is something special and unrepeatable. Thank you, Terry!
Kornelija Marzel, predsednica Lions kluba Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia
“Living with one of Terry’s beautiful lamps is a mesmerizing experience. I just want to keep looking at it.”
K. Stanton, Irvine CA
“The tiger lamp that Terry made for me is very beautiful, very unique. Terry did an excellent job starting with my idea for the tiger. I highly recommend him if you are looking for an artist to create something from your ideas.”
“La lámpara de tigre que Terry hizo para mí es muy hermosa, muy única. Terry hizo un excelente trabajo comenzando con mi idea para el tigre. Lo recomiendo encarecidamente si estás buscando un artista para crear algo a partir de tus ideas.”
I. Fernandez, Westminster CA