Kiln formed or ‘fused’ glass is glass that has been melted to about 800°C in a specialised glass kiln. Glass is cut to design and layered over several firings to give it depth and texture. These firings can take 20 hrs to complete, with complex schedules or programmes that ensure that the different colours of glass are heated and annealed correctly. The different glasses expand (on heating) and contract (on cooling) at slightly different rates and this means that stresses can occur within the glass, particularly between the inside and outside of the glass where the temperature will be quite different. The larger and thicker the glass to be fired the longer the annealing process and the more careful the programme. If this process is not adhered to very carefully then the glass will break, sometimes even months afterwards, at ordinary temperatures as the strain inside the glass literally wrenches it apart. After the initial flat firings, one last firing can take place at a slightly lower temperature and glass can be ‘slumped’ over a plaster mould to give it the shape of a bowl for example. As an artist I choose to use the best fusing glass available, which is Bullseye. Bullseye were also the first company in 1973 to produce what is now the only fully integrated system of fusing glasses that are all tested for fusing compatability. Fused glass can be used to create bowls, platters, lights, window or wall hangings, tiles and splash backs. From larger, one off sculptural glass pieces to smaller items, commissions are also welcomed.