Meet Terry
Say we just met . . .
When I came down to breakfast, about 5 months ago, sitting there is an 80-year-old version of me. I haven’t been able to get rid of him.
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 tell me.
CV:
1968 Bachelor of Architecture, University of California, Berkeley
1983 MBA, University of California, Berkeley
Schilling and Arnold, Architects, 1970’s. Oakland CA.
Powder Coating
Over six thousand colors are offered by my powder coating provider, Prismatic Powders. An enormous range of colors, textures and finishes that range from translucent, matte, high gloss or even holographic are available. I’d like to have the job of naming them. I’ve used “Rusty Penny” and “Soft Red Candy.”
My Powder Coatings Paintbox
Primarily, powder coatings are used to finish metal objects. It is an alternative to liquid paint that was invented in 1945. This stuff is used for building cladding, automobile parts and even eye glass frames. It’s not painted on by brush or spray. No liquids are used. It goes on in a cloud of electrostatically charged fine particles. The finish is cured in an oven. Like the glaze on ceramics. As a result, powder coatings are more durable than liquid paint.
Electrostatic powder coating system: gun, powder coating bottles, HI DC voltage
I’ve developed techniques for applying this powder to glass cylinders: a copper sleeve, hi-temp tape, masking, baffles, multiple layers. Each layer has to be protected before new layers are added. In and out of my oven, you move around a lot. After I install an LED in the base, only then comes the “Oh. Wow.”
Powder coating booth showing: turntable with glass cylinder and copper lining, powder being applied with gun, and air filter behind.
From the design sketch to the “Oh Wow” moment, a lamp takes maybe two weeks. Some have up to seven layers of powder coatings. Each layer has to be protected before the next one goes on. Forget about painting anything over. My lamps are all technique.
Art Glass Lamps In-process
Splitting Particles: Two layers of powder glaze combined with the raku technique scorched horse tail hairs.
Bow String: Six layers of powder glaze, combined with the raku technique of scorched horse tail hairs.
String Theory: Borrowing from raku pottery, this composition includes horse tail hairs scorched with a torch.
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 art glass 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