There’s a common misconception about creative work: that it’s all bursts of inspiration and moments of artistic flow. But if you’ve ever stepped into a glass studio, you know that creativity often lives side by side with repetition. In fused glass—my chosen medium—that rhythm is not only necessary, it’s grounding.
The Repetition of Craft
Fused glass is a technique that involves layering pieces of glass and heating them in a kiln until they bond together. Sometimes that bond is full-fuse—smooth and seamless. Other times, it’s tack-fused—leaving behind texture and dimension. But no matter the outcome, the process starts the same way: cutting, cleaning, arranging, and loading into the kiln. Then waiting. Then doing it all again.
There’s a method to it all. A pace. A set of movements I know by heart. But repetition doesn’t mean boredom. In fact, for me, it’s quite the opposite.
Finding Creativity in the Familiar
I’ve made hundreds of pieces—bowls, wall panels, sculptural waves, functional trays—but no two are exactly alike. Each time I step into my studio, I’m not just recreating a product; I’m solving a creative puzzle.
Maybe a sheet of glass cracked in a new way. Maybe I want to test how a new color reacts to a longer kiln schedule. Maybe I’m playing with layering to create a deeper sense of dimension. These small tweaks add up. They turn process into exploration. Routine into ritual.
Fused glass forces you to be both precise and playful. It teaches you how to respect the chemistry and physics of the material, while also leaving room for magic. Because sometimes, the glass surprises you.
The Art of Moving Forward
People often ask how I stay inspired. The answer? I move. Literally.
My work keeps me on my feet—cutting, washing, assembling, rearranging. There’s an energy to glasswork that I don’t find in any other medium. It’s not sedentary. It’s kinetic. That movement keeps my mind engaged, especially on the days when ideas don’t come easily. Even when I’m working on something familiar, the act of doing gets me thinking about what’s next.
And that’s the beauty of it: fused glass keeps me present, while always pulling me forward.
Lessons from the Kiln
If you’ve ever worked with glass, you know the kiln has the final say. You can plan, test, and prep, but when that door opens? It’s a reveal every time. That moment never gets old.
It’s also a reminder: not everything is in our control. But th
e trust you build—in your materials, in your process, in yourself—is part of the creative journey.
Why This Work Matters
To an outsider, the repetition of glasswork might look monotonous. But to me, it’s a
dance—a daily rhythm that supports experimentation, curiosity, and connection. It’
s the foundation that allows me to create something new, something beautiful, and something meaningful.
As a small business owner and artist, I’ve learned that creativity doesn’t always come from chaos or spontaneity. Sometimes, it comes from returning to the same place, the same tools, the same process—with a slightly different idea in mind.
That’s what keeps me coming back. That’s what makes this work feel alive.
Want to see the process in action?
Follow along on Instagram @helenrudyglass for behind-the-scenes looks, kiln openings, and the evolution of new designs. Or explore the latest one-of-a-kind pieces in my online shop.