Rod Baker, describes himself as a "self taught" independent glass artist who began with stained glass about 30 years ago and moved into fusing, then to blowing glass, first at Cal Poly, and then in his own studio.

His fused pieces with vibrant colors and patterns are individually hand crafted and one of a kind, 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 degrees Fahrenheit.   The molten glass is "gathered" with blowpipes and punties.  The color can be added with “frit” (small pieces of colored glass from fine sand to pebble size) that adheres to the molten glass, or the use of “rods, stringers or cane.”  The iridescent color in the glass comes from metallic oxides such as chromium, manganese, gold, and copper.

Rod is a native Californian. He grew up in the Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica area. He loves the ocean and the beach and has always been connected to it. He moved to Los Osos in 2000 and has found a perfect climate to create and live.

www.centralcoastglassblowingandfusing.com