Spotlight on Barb Fukusaka
Hello! My name is Barb Fukusaka and I live in beautiful BC on the west coast of Canada, but we call it the “Wet Coast”.
My journey in glass began 21 years ago when I came across Cindy Jenkin’s book – a bible for a lot of us when we started out. However, I was intimidated by the thought of using a torch and thought I would never do this crazy thing called lampworking. The following year, I was doing the Vancouver Sun Run and by chance (or by good fortune) the route took us by a glass studio. They were advertising beginner classes and so I thought, why not?
Well, like a lot of you, I was hooked after my first class. I bought a Nortel Minor, some glass, and a few little tools to get me started. Now, three torches later and many tools/equipment/glass, etc. (I know you can relate) flameworking is still my passion. Are you a tool/glass junkie like me?
I work in boro and soft and enjoy the challenges each has to offer. I do not have a specific style but like to play with lots of different techniques. I have been fortunate to have taken many in-person and online classes. Covid did bring something good to the table – online classes have been wonderful but will never fully replace the in-person experience.
I love being part of this glass community – The Dragons rock! I am also a member of The Pacific Pyros Glass Beadmakers and the ISGB. All these organizations have much to offer and it is great to be around like minded, creative people.
After 46 years in the medical imaging profession (X-Ray, Ultrasound and MRI), I retired almost 2 years ago. I am grateful to now have the time to devote to my passion of being creative. I also weave and paint but the best is spending time with my little dog, Bettse. She is my best friend and constant companion.
Discovering lampworking has been a blessing. Getting to know some of you has been an extra bonus and I hope that we may meet in person, some day!
Here is a photo of a glass chandelier I had made by a local flameworker – Braden Hammond. A very talented fellow indeed! It is very “Chuhuily-esque” and Medusa like.
As much as I love it, if I ever did this again, I would do it in clear glass. The cobalt blue is beautiful but despite MANY Led lights inside, it doesn’t transmit as much light as I would like. Just in case anyone thinks of having a piece like this.
Happy melting!
BTW – a little trivia: did you know the greek word “hyelophile” means glass addict? 🙂