FUNCTIONAL ARTWORK IN FUSED GLASS
About the Company
Nancy Rosato and Tonya Crowe-Chinuntdet met when their daughters began kindergarten together. At first, it appeared that might be one of the only things they had in common, but soon it became clear they were kindred spirits and shared a variety of the same long-term goals.
In particular, both were searching for a creative outlet of some sort that could add a significant level of artistic fulfillment to their lives. Common ground was found when they began experimenting with fused glass to create beautiful works of art that included unique, decorative pieces as well as functional items for every day use.
The founding of Molten Reflections was the natural next step, followed by the addition of an expansive studio in Mooresville, NC that serves as the hub for all design and production activities. Nancy and Tonya are thrilled with where the journey has taken them and are passionate about continuing to hone their skills and push their creative boundaries every day!
About the Artists
Nancy Rosato
Nancy was born and raised in Ohio and developed a love for creative activities at an early age. Much of that passion was fueled by her mother, who always encouraged Nancy to pursue a wide variety of artistic endeavors, many of which she has continued to enjoy throughout her life.
Nancy and her husband, Craig, have three children and while each is wonderfully unique, they also share a number of common interests as well, including many that originated through the passions of their parents. Nancy loves to share the joys of some of her favorite pastimes such as cooking, photography and gardening with her children, and also enjoys volunteering at her children's school and several local non-profit organizations.
Nancy has the good fortune to live on a lake and draws much of her inspiration from the ever-changing views just outside her windows.
Tonya Crowe-Chinuntdet
Tonya and her husband have three children who as always headed in different directions, but always down fun and exciting paths. She continues to volunteer in the medical community. Her passions include horseback riding, photography and spending time outdoors with her family. Tonya also works with a theatre program providing props and frequently helping with costumes and sets. She is very often on the water fishing with her husband, John. Nature continues to be her biggest inspiration. She strives to find the harmony and balance in her art that exists in the natural world.
About the Process
Fused glass artwork is the combination of different colors and shapes of glass that, when fused together at high temperatures, form beautiful and interesting creations. Once an idea for a piece is conceived the design of how to make it can be decided upon. We use art glass made in Portland, Oregon by Bullseye Glass. There is a wonderful array of colors to choose from. The glass is then cut into various shapes and stacked together in the kiln. In order to fully fuse the pieces together temperatures in the kiln reach 1480 degrees Fahrenheit. After fusing, the piece is then refined by finishing the edges with a wet tile saw and handworked with diamond pads. Etching designs in the glass can be done in the blasting cabinet. Glass enamels and powders can also be used to add decorative touches.The final shape can also be changed by placing the piece back in the kiln in a mold. This can result in functional pieces, such as bowls and platters, as well as decorative pieces that can stand on their own.
 Step One: materials selection |  Step Two: score the materials |  Step Three: cut the materials |
|---|---|---|
 Step Four: first kiln fusing |  Step Five: first firing complete |  Step Six: sand sharp edges |
 Step Seven: prepare to slump |  Step Eight: second firing in kiln |  Finished Product |
 Finished Product |