Wavytail is the artistic pseudonym of Jo Hunter (that’s me), and I like to create paper art, fused glass objects, and the odd photograph. I enjoy making functional art; hence the fact I make lanterns and clocks as well as traditional dishes and bowls.
Glass
Fused glass objects are made in my kiln. I buy the glass as flat sheets, or as powder (frit); then it gets cut, shaped, and heated in a very controlled manner up to 1500F. Depending on what I’m making, I may have to use several firings to complete an object. Items such as bowls that have a 3D shape will be finished by slumping them into moulds, typically at around 1100F. The glass sags into the ceramic mould shape.
Glass Clocks
Are these dishes food safe?
In general yes, unless they are pink, purple or brown in color. Pink and purple glass contain lead, which should not come in contact with unwrapped food. Brown tends to be a mix of many colors, so I can’t guarantee there won’t be any lead-bearing colors in there.
If there is a layer of clear glass above the color, then you’re OK.
Dishwashers and microwaves are probably best avoided. The glassware should be OK – it’s glass, after all – but I would hate to say it’s OK and then find it wasn’t. There is a higher metal content in colored glass which might not be great in a microwave.
Dishes
Lanterns are purchased from a well-known home furnishing shop. I then remove the standard plain glass and insert my own patterned glass instead. I make the glass in a single sheet; the patterns are made from glass powder that has been stenciled on. This melts in the kiln and fuses the colors permanently. The sheet is then cut into six panels and installed into the lantern.
Lanterns
Paper
Papercut artwork is drawn by me, usually in Adobe Illustrator. It is made with many layers of colored paper, cut to shape with a die cutting machine. This is a fabulous tool, without which I wouldn’t be able to get the ideas out of my head and into the physical world. Using this work path, I can build up the artwork layer by layer in the computer, choose all the colours, and get the design as I want it, before building the piece. Most larger pieces have six to eight layers; smaller pieces tend to have fewer layers.
One for Betsy – Blue
Abstract3
Why is this called Wavytail, anyway?
We have three cats. Smokey Cat is a handsome grey short-hair.
Rookie Cat is Smokey’s sister.
Sunshine Cat is a hair explosion in orange, with a constantly swishing tail.
I named it for her 🙂
