Kokomo Opalescent Glass

I researched various methods of creating with glass and came across the Dalle de verre (glass slab) method which was developed in the 1930's in Paris by Jean Gaudin. The slabs of glass are typically about 8x12 inches and a little over an inch thick. They are shaped with a combination of diamond wet saws, and breaking with a hammer or glass cutter. The edges of the glass may be chipped or faceted to increase the refraction and reflection effects.

There are just a few glass providers in America, Kokomo Opalescent Glass is the primary maker, and they have been making glass for over 150 years. In 2016, I visited and took a tour of the entire process and that’s where I purchased by first glass, then I drove it home and began creating and Fisch Glass Works was born!

Thought you might like to see how Kokomo Opalescent Glass produces their Dalle de verre glass! The glass is hand ladled from the 12 pot furnace and poured or cast into these 8" x 12" forms on a pre-warmed graphite surface. Once they have firmed up they are placed into one of the kilns to anneal or cool down.

Here are some photos from their factory and also some spectacular finished pieces.