JC Strote

JC Strote’s fused glass works of art boast vibrant colors and intricate designs spanning a wide range of artistic styles. From magnificent wall art and functional works such as plates and bowls to colorful and intricate jewelry designs, each creation boasts the beauty and intrigue of this incredibly unique art form.

Glass has emerged over the last few years as one of the hottest art forms. Fused glass in particular has become poular because of its versatility for the artists and viewers/users alike. Often called warm glass because all the melting takes place in a kiln at temperatures between 1200 and 1700 degrees, the process allows great breadth of creativity. With the development of compatible glasses in the 1970’s and 80’s the warm glass art form began taking its stronghold and it continues to develop in its techniques and glasses, and through the ingenuity of artists all over the world.

The technique of fusing glass is fascinating. Fused glass pieces are made by layering compatible glass pieces together and then melting them. Strote explains, “it is really about physics because you must manage volume, control, heat, and time so the glass does not stress while reaching the heat necessary to fuse or during cooling process. After the glass is fused together then you sag it or slump it in to shapes.”

Strote’s fabulous art is created using flat glass sheets, broken and ground glass called frit, long thin strings of glass, thin fragments of glass called confetti, and just about anything else she can include within the glass. She combines them to create a multitude of colorful, versatile, unique artworks.

Years ago, while attending a Craft fair, JC saw fused glass jewelry for the first time and innocently asked how one could learn how to make it. This led to classes at one of the few local fused glass studios offering classes at the time. After the second 3-day class, she was hooked on glass. She was the only person in the class that didn’t come from a stained glass background, so she didn’t even know the basics of cutting glass. But that didn’t stop her. She bought her first glass kiln and embarked on a now 10-year passion for all things glass.

JC works in a studio located in her barn on 6 acre pistachio orchard when she is not at her day job as a computer scientist at Lawrence Livermore National laboratory. “Working alongside the tractor and farm equipment is a unique experience. It’s such a dichotomy amid the hi-tech glass. That in itself is an inspiration,” says Strote of her unique studio environment. She has 4 kilns ranging in size from a 6-inch jewelry kiln to a large 24-inch custom kiln.

Strote has become an award-winning artist in numerous art shows and sold her work across the country in small galleries, gift stores, and winery tasting rooms. You may also see her work at local charity auctions.

Currently, a wide variety of gorgeous JC Strote fused glass artwork is on display at Studio 53 Gallery in Isleton. Experience their beauty and creativity. And… celebrate Delta Arts!