ABOUT  
 

Jon Witherspoon is a Sacramento resident whose artistic interests lie in Fused Glass and Ceramics. I make many of my own forms for slumping glass, with a particular interest in adding textures to the colorful and geometric shapes.

My current interest is in the period described as Mid-century modern. The art, furniture and architecture that began after World War II and continued into the early 1960s reflect a style that is marked by simplicity, clean lines and organic forms. I enjoy recreating the sense of the future produced in the past a.ka. "Retro-futurism"

Ceramists Roger Capron and Edith Heath, Artists Josef Albers and Charley Harper, and Furniture designer George Nelson are all inspirations. The so-called "Googie Architecture" of the 1950s also provides stimulation for my work.

My fused glass pieces result from combining, cut glass, frit (powdered glass) and stringers (thin glass rods). Materials are then heated to approximately 1,500 degrees in a kiln. Once cooled they are returned to the kiln , supported by a form, reheated to 1,350 degrees, and then slumped into the shape of the underlying form. Finally, the glass is then annealed: a process of heating, and then slowly cooling to relieve internal stresses that makes the glass much more durable.

The multi-layered and textured objects are designed to reflect a retro sensibility. Objects created include wall hangings, dinnerware, jewelry and free standing art pieces. I also accept commissions, and can provide custom installations.