Gallery Jamel Paco Young Benefit
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Dear Paco, Toni and Graham,
In the summer of 2004 I shared the road with this momma bear and her youngsters in the Yukon. As I developed this vitreous painting of these brown bears I knew the title of the piece would be Sharing the Road. Over these last months fellow artists, neighbors, friends, family and medical staff have shared your road. The out pouring of love, prayers, and support I have watched on your internet update site fills my heart and I know yours. All of us will continue to hold you in our hearts and prayers all the way down life`s road. The best to you each day, Kathleen

Ursus arctos - Sharing the Road. Kathleen Sheard. Kiln formed glass - A Vitreous Miniature Multi-layer Painting. 12" x 18". 2005

The kiln formed glass process used in these works is done in reverse of the traditional method of fused glass. Starting with a clear glass base, various sizes of frit and stringer are layered in an upside down sequence to create initial details in a piece. Each component piece is then fused together, cleaned, and fired additionally with 1 to 3 more layers to add dimensionality.

In more complex pieces this process is taken a step further. Single or multiple panel sections create one image. The individual pieces can be fired up to 7 or 8 times each, adding additional frit and /or stringer in each layer to create depth. The pre fused animal and landscape elements are then laid down on a new clear glass base and additional frit is layered in to create the remaining background. The final firing is face down on the kiln shelf. After this firing the edges of the sections can be beveled or the clear glass border left on. The finished panel(s) are assembled on a wood backboard and/or framed to finish the composition.

Kathleen Sheard is a nationally recognized wildlife artist who creates realistic wildlife paintings and sculpture in glass. Her work is found in both wildlife art and glass galleries across the country. One of her elephant wall pieces was recognized by the Corning Museum of Glass in New Glass Review as one of the top innovative glass works in the world in 2000. Kathleen is a member of the international Society of Animal Artists and has been featured in Wildlife Art Magazine and Glass Craftsman. Kathleen teaches her style of wildlife glass in studios and galleries across the country. She is currently living and working in Haines, Alaska to increase her knowledge of the wilderness and the wildlife that is the heart and soul of her work.

Kathleen Sheard www.kathleensheard.com
email: wildlifeglass@yahoo.com