Central Coast Glass Blowing and Fusing

Rod Baker describes himself as a "self taught" independent glass artist, beginning with stained glass over 30 years ago. In 2007 he began blowing glass, first at Cal Poly, and then in his own studio. Each piece with its vibrant colors and patterns is individually hand crafted, and is one of a kind.

Fused pieces are made with compatible glasses that have been specially formulated. Designs are composed of multiple pieces of glass, precision cut and fused together in a kiln at approximately 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Blown glass pieces are made in a "hot shop" where there is a furnace with a crucible of molten glass at 2200°F that is "gathered" out with blowpipes and punties. Each piece is made of 2 or 3 or more "gatherers" of glass. Color is obtained in various ways by adding frits, rods, stringers, cane or metallic oxides.