Paul Bendzunas

Combining traditional design elements with contemporary influences, Paul has evolved an unusual style based primarily on natural and organic forms. His surface patterns involve animal and aquatic imagery. He achieves this effect by using colored enamels – the same crushed glass powders used in cloisonné jewelry – and precious metals, in combination with bits of crushed glass. He achieves distinctive colors using various formulations of metallic oxides such as gold, silver, cobalt and others, blended into the molten glass. Using classic glassblowing techniques that are thousands of years old, Bendzunas works the glass at temperatures in excess of 2000 degrees F. He forms and shapes each piece individually, without the use of molds. Each piece is one of a kind and is signed and dated.