July's Artist Of The Month: Tom Kies. - Torch Bugs: A Forum for Lampwork Glass Beads and Jewelry

AOTM · #1 07-05-2009, 04:58 PM

Our featured artist for the month of July is Tom Kies, AKA menty666.

We asked Tom how he got started in Lampworking and he shared his thoughts with us. Here is what Tom had to say.

Quote:

So, how did I get into glass? I'm a software programmer by day and I realized at one point, that after 8 hours work, I have nothing tangible to show for my day. I can turn the computer off, turn it on and maybe the work's there, maybe it's not. But with glass, I have something I can touch and hold. There's something that catches the light. There's something I brought from my imagination into being. For me torching is therapeutic; it's me, the glass and the flame and the world can fall away as I concentrate on the flow of the glass and the heat trapped within that simulataneously helps me realize an artistic vision and threatens me with injury.

I believe that it's important to show both the successes and failures that come from the torch. It's nice to get compliments and everyone loves to show off. But by displaying the mistakes as well it helps to ground a person, and you can learn from your mistakes. Compliments are easy, criticism is hard.

I've included two images to share. One shows pieces I'm proud of and the other shows things better turned into frit. I hope you can see the beauty in both.

-Tom

The Good:

The Bad:

Check out Tom's website and fantastic boro work at http://munkinarts.com/
Check out his Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5529439

This months prize for the winning question will be a Viking Knit Beaded Bracelet made, and donated by FrogsongStudio. Photo of bracelet will be posted soon.

Please read the instructions on how to play here. http://www.torchbugs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4239

Okay folks, remember, don't post your questions here. PM your questions to AOTM. The deadline for asking your question is Sunday, July 12, at 5:00 PM Pacific time.

Good luck!

AOTM · #2 07-05-2009, 04:58 PM

This spot is reserved for posting of the questions on Sunday, July 12th.

Joyous Creations · #3 07-06-2009, 09:16 PM

hi Tom, I think that all your work is great but especially love yjr piece that looks like you may have slumped in a kiln and the flower too is beautiful. For now I do only beads but would love to work larger as you do! I would love to see more, Joyce

menty666 · #4 07-07-2009, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joyous Creations

hi Tom, I think that all your work is great but especially love yjr piece that looks like you may have slumped in a kiln and the flower too is beautiful. For now I do only beads but would love to work larger as you do! I would love to see more, Joyce

Thanks Joyce! I'm a bit of a dabbler, but fusing and slumping is a nice way to keep the kiln in use on non-torching days. That is, when my shop's not a wreck and I have room to cut glass...*sigh*

My kiln's only 8x8x9, so I don't do stuff too terribly large.

reneesuich · #5 07-07-2009, 10:22 AM

Thanks for sharing your "bad beads", now I don't feel so all alone with my
"Ugly Bead Jar",
love your work,

KDK · #6 07-07-2009, 05:56 PM

congrats Tom!! Love your stuff!

Kathy

menty666 · #7 07-07-2009, 07:26 PM

Thanks folks

I regret to inform that the lovely red vase above in the picture met with an unfortunate accident tonight in my shop. It's frit now. *sniff* Frit to frit, silica to silica, we commit these shattered remains to the recycle bucket....

Beadanna · #8 07-08-2009, 12:44 AM

S**t, s**t, s**t.

menty666 · #9 07-08-2009, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beadanna

S**t, s**t, s**t.

Ok, where'd you hide the microphone in my shop? Spill it

formfireglassworks · #10 07-08-2009, 06:46 AM

Great work Tom! I enjoy following you on Facebook. It's fun to see what people are up to throughout the work process. Wish I make a marble (paperweight?) like the floral you've shown above!

Beadanna · #11 07-08-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by menty666

Ok, where'd you hide the microphone in my shop? Spill it

I don't have you bugged, but I am psychic.

Frogsongstudio · #12 07-08-2009, 02:30 PM

If you haven't gotten your questions in you better hurry! Time is running out! Deadline is Sunday, 5:00 PM Pacific time.

I am making the bracelet today and I'll post a picture as soon as I'm finished. But here's a description. It's going to be sterling silver beaded viking knit with some beads I made using Brads StrikingColor glass. It's going to be pretty! (I hope)

Beadanna · #13 07-08-2009, 02:43 PM

Sorry - wrong thread.

Dreamscapes Studio · #14 07-08-2009, 06:18 PM

Tom ... Love you white flower paperweight (correct me if I'm wrong but looks like a paperweight in the photo).

Your petals and stamen depth are WONDERFUL!!! I've been "away" from doing paperweights (miniatures) for awhile ... but your photo sure makes me want to do 'em again.

You are a very talented artist!