My fascination with glass began when I was first taken to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as a child. I’d spend hours staring at the glass paperweights and marbles, wondering at the magic that was used in their creation. Many years later I learned some of that magic through trial and error, reading books and watching tapes. Every time I work with glass I feel the ancient magic infuse and challenge me.

I began lampworking a few years ago when I wanted to take a lampworking class at the local craft center, but had signed up too late to get in the class for that quarter. Rather than waiting a few months until the next course, I got on the phone and ordered a torch, goggles, mandrels, a bunch of glass, some books and sat down and through a lot of trial and error, began making drippy things and eventually beads. Over the years I've gone through a few different torches, each one larger and hotter than the last. Now I'm using a GTT Lynx glass torch and an Integra 10 Oxygen generator from Suncoast Beads. A Skutt Glass Master computer controlled kiln is used to anneal the glass. I've studied with Michael Mangiafico and Vittorio Costantini.

I use Moretti glass from Murano, Italy as well as Lauscha glass from Germany. Borosilicate glass from Glass Alchemy, Northstar, Momkas, Simax and Corning. Also, Bullseye glass from the Bullseye Glass Company in Portland, Oregon. A lot of Fine Silver and 22 Karat Gold is used in my work.

I've been selling my work for a few years now at Rock Garden, a Bead/Rock & Mineral shop I co-own in Branford, Connecticut, USA, as well as on eBay.

In July 2004 my Seascapes Glass Sculpture won best in show at a juried exhibit at the Firehouse Art Gallery in Milford, Connecticut.

I have an article on Glass Spinning Tops in the April/May 2006 issue of Glass Line Magazine.

I also have a gallery at GlassArtists.org, and am a member of Wet Canvas and Lampwork Etc.

In addition to my passion for lampworking my other interests include lapidary (I love to cut opals!), photography, astronomy, playing with my Nintendo DS, watching Time Team and anything Doctor Who.

Andrew Sinclair-Day