Holly City Art Glass
Millville, NJ
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I have been working as an engraver for approximately 47 years. I began as an apprentice for my father, starting out by drawing images on cast iron plates which he would then engrave. I eventually learned how to engrave myself, taking over for him when he retired at age 70.

I consider the work I do a mixed medium. It is essentially a two-step process. I start by taking an image and transferring it onto a painted cast iron plate, usually 3 1/2″ in diameter. I then use a hammer and chisels to engrave the plate. After that process is completed, I take a gather of glass (usually colored), from the furnace and drop it onto a hot graphite plate. I then use the engraved plate as a stamp to make a roundel. Once the roundel has been annealed, I can place a hole in it so it can be hung in a window as a suncatcher. Other uses include incorporating them into stained glass panels or using them as a sail on a windchime. They can also be used as a decorative piece on a stand.