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1 : a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life
2 : a power or process of transforming something common into something special
3 : an inexplicable or mysterious transmuting
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At Alchemy Glass & Light (see sidebar), the main thing we do is fuse and slump glass. We make bathroom sinks, countertops, lighting fixtures, platters and tile with the glass. And though we started out as glass artists, our focus has expanded. These days, you’re just as likely to find us carving limestone, casting bronze, welding steel and working in wood.
In terms of our glasswork, one of the things that sets us apart is the specific fusing technique we use. Though we have been working with the process since the late 1980s, we are constantly experimenting with it, refining it and developing new variations. This constant experimentation is responsible not just for the unique visual feel of our glass but also for its physical integrity. Depending on how it is heated and cooled, glass can either be quite strong or delicate and prone to cracking. The cooling process is called annealing. Despite the critical importance of this facet of glassworking, there is no set formula for annealing glass. Only after years of constant tweaking were we able to develop the ideal combination of time and temperature to insure a super-strong piece of glass.
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This is the name we coined for the unique glass that results from our special secret recipe. Only Alchemy makes it.
At Alchemy, each piece is assembled and tested before being packed for shipping. This makes sure that if it sits on a floor, it’s level; if pieces fit together, they go together easily and so on.
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What really sets Alchemy apart is that for us glass is a starting point rather than an end in itself. Just as a precious stone is mounted in a setting to become jewelery, we create a setting for the glass piece that not only enhances its beauty but also makes it a functioning element of your home’s interior design. We have a lot of fun coming up with and making these "settings" as you can see by the range of materials and artforms we employ.
And though these pieces are handmade by artists, we work with a number of interior designers, architects and engineers in their development to make sure these pieces are done right. Whether it’s a lighting fixture, a bathroom vanity, or a piece of tile, installation is easy and straightforward. No special arrangements are needed because it’s glass or a handmade piece of art.
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