Rick Wilton

Glass artist

 

He was born in Penticton and moved to Calgary in his toddler years. From a young age he showed an interest in glass work.  His first experience with glass was stained glass in junior high. He loved to melt bottles in fire pits, and design tables using glass blocks and bricks.  Eventually from a good friend he learned the basic techniques of glass etching. (Sandblasting)  He started up his own glass etching business for the corporate and gift market in 1996.  When he had mastered his sandblasting techniques; he started to teach himself to cut and shape glass.  He began manufacturing his own awards for the corporate market.  His interest in glass continued to grow.  He started to research hot glass techniques in 2001 and soon was taking glass fusing courses where he then has the natural ability to absorb, apply and expand the techniques he has learned. He continues to sand carve glass, but his real passion is his kiln formed glass art. He hand cuts the pieces individually and then kiln fires to create smooth finishes.  He puts a great amount of time and effort into his pieces. His pieces are one of a kind and his medium of rocks have enhanced the natural beauty in the glass. The more he learns about glass the more he evolves his art and will continue to grow as a natural artist.