Icefire Glassworks

The craftsmanship at Icefire Glassworks begins with the building. With its hand-hewn cedar posts and its steel brackets made by celebrated mobile artist Carl Freedman, it embodies the aesthetics and ethics of the 1970s. The iron hinges on its south doors were made of material salvaged from a shipwreck, and the roof was recycled from an airplane hangar.

The creative spark doesn't stop there, however. Born in fire, become smooth as water, blown glass pieces line the windows, shelves and pedestals of this rustic gallery. Playful freeform vases, bowls that reference more formal ideas, and sensual twists of color capture the light and send it rippling across their surfaces while visitors watch new works come into being.

Five artists contribute their talents to Icefire. Educated as a potter, self-educated as a glass artist, owner James Kingwell brings thirty-four years of experience to his classic, simple forms, while his colors run the gamut from serene blues and greens to the vigor of his “Bad Hair Day” series.

Resident artist Suzanne Kindland incorporates a smattering of custom lighting and wall-mounted installations into her repertoire of vases, platters and bowls. Inspired by Nature, her “Autumn Leaves” series evokes forests, grasslands and deserts. A new series, the “Brocades”, features multiple complex applications of frits, powders and gold or silver leaf.