Bob is a self-taught artist who has been creating with kilnformed glass for over 35 years. He specializes in working with glass powders to create his signature-style organic textures.

Bob’s fascination with textures developed during his working career as an exploration geologist. Observing and interpreting subtle textures in rocks while on the job evolved into seeing textures as a familiar but important part of our everyday visual landscape. From peeling paint to the weathered hands of the elderly, textures are important. They tell stories and these stories help us comprehend our realities.

Having trained as a scientist, Bob understands the complexities of how glass behaves when heated in a kiln and how to use this knowledge to create his signature style. A key aspect of Bob’s unique textures is that they can be appreciated both from a distance and up close. From a distance, the overall texture and broad changes in colour are apparent. Closer inspection reveals more minute changes in texture and colour, for example in infilled veins.

Bob’s current Homecoming series revisits a previous series, but with a difference. By substituting transparent powders for opaque powders, Bob has created a bold new collection of vibrant, jewel-toned vessels. Transitions in colour are created by careful layering of powders and multiple firings in the kiln. The top and bottom surfaces are polished to enhance colour clarity.

Bob contributes generously to the glass community by sharing his techniques and technical knowledge. He has written 5 e-books on his original kilnformed glass techniques, is an active and popular instructor worldwide, has hosted several instructional videos, and has written a series of technical articles for Glass Art Magazine.

Bob’s studio practice is based in the creative community of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, where he participates in, and contributes enthusiastically to, the local arts community. His art is documented in numerous catalogues, books, and publications.