ART! Fire Ice Glass Studio, Deborah Goldhaft

by Nancy Thomas

“I often feel like Alice in Through the Looking Glass as I design and use the sandblast process. There is always a sense of wonder and surprise as each creation unveils itself to me”. That’s how Deborah Goldhaft says she feels as each new commissioned work of art is completed and readied for its owner.

Goldhaft, who works in a unique artform she calls “architectural fine art glass” produces customized art glass for doors and windows, and other decorative and functional items such as unique end tables, coffee tables, and works of art that stand on their own.

”I am fascinated by the three-dimensional quality of imagery and light that can be created with layering design on plate glass and mirror. There is always a sense of transformation involved working with any sort of glass, Goldhaft says. “It is both solid and liquid simultaneously, moving and still — clear becoming opaque. Working with mirror is especially exciting as it always includes the viewer as part of the art”.

Goldhaft’s background is in anthropology, and martial arts, with an interest in global environmental issues and science that finds expression through her most creative works. The prevalent themes throughout her portfolio reflect the human footprints we leave on our planet, the effect of plant, animal, and geologic forces through time and space. Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

About Deborah

Deborah is from rural Southern New Jersey. College led her to study Anthropology as a generalist, and afterwards she lived, traveled, and explored overseas for several years. While in Adelaide, South Australia, Deborah apprenticed with a hot glass studio before relocating to the Pacific Northwest in 1981.

On Vashon Island in 1988, due to the intermittent loss of power, she set up a sandblasting studio rather than a hot glass furnace. It turned out to be a great idea, as Deborah found the glass sandblast medium more suitable for her artistic expression. Deborah founded Fire & Ice Glass Studio on Vashon Island, Washington, in 1991.

In 2004 the studio moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where Deborah creates functional and decorative art as well as designs custom Architectural Art Glass for both residential and commercial use. Her work may be most familiar to Rhode Islanders who attend the Fine Furnishing Shows.

Deborah is a member of Alliance Francaise de Providence’s singing group.

Deborah’s signature piece is one-of-a-kind etched plate glass or mirror – the finishing touch for any historic home.

Architectural applications include but are not limited to front door glass panels, transoms, sidelights, interior windows for light with privacy and interest, kitchen cabinet door glass.

One of Deborah’s customers put it perfectly, “I can’t tell you how nice it is to come home to your glass doors. The house is completely changed by their addition. The house is so much better!”

You can review Deborah’s portfolio on her website and you’ll find yourself walking around your home, looking at your front door, your bathroom window, kitchen cabinetry, etc. Now where can I put this special piece? And next time family asks you what you want, and you know you don’t really “need” another thing – you can tell them that you really do need a little looking glass magic in your home.

You can view Deborah’s work at Fire Ice Glass Studio – here:  http://www.fireiceglass.com/