Jeff & Jaky Felix
As a self taught husband and wife team, our body of work is a result of our continuous conversations exploring the possibilities of new designs and techniques. Our creative goal is to infuse our glass sculpture and wall hangings with a spark that reflects the inner energy of life. We take pleasure in the creative process and attempt to translate that joy into our work. We derive inspiration from nature, and many other sources including abstract patterns, tropical designs and multi-cultural influences.
We use many processes and tools in the creation of our work. Crushed and powdered glass, called frit in the glass world, is a very prominent feature in our work. In our fusing technique, we set the piece up cold, typically starting with a clear piece of cut glass and then adding multiple layers of frit in overlapping patterns utilizing hand made stencils. This assemblage is fired in a kiln to fuse it all together into one single piece of glass. Several firings may be required, adding additional layers to achieve the desired appearance and form.
In the final firing, we add hand drawn elements using liquid enamels and 22k gold or palladium silver accents which are painted on using a fluid writing tool that has a small spout filled with the metal suspended in oil. When fired, the oil burns away and the metal is fused into the glass. By blending the frits, and adding metallic accents, we achieve a colorful effect that resembles batik and cloisonné.
One of the challenges of using glass as a sculptural material is to find a way to work with light as well as color. Many of our pieces are slumped (or bent) in a separate firing to give the impression of waves and movement. In many of our wall hangings, we design work that will be enhanced by this unique characteristic, adding movement to the image by forming the glass to react to variations in light.
Enhanced by a vibrant color palette, our work is an expression of joyful imagination, playfully inviting the viewer to smile with delight.
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at jaky@jfelixglass.com
