Lincoln

Lincoln etchedThis latest etching is composed of 12 stages. It’s the face of Abraham Lincoln obviously, and is based off of Alexander Gardener’s amazing photo which I love very much for it’s shallow depth of field. From here I’m going for a 20 stage image – I haven’t yet decided on whose face to do. I’m also anxious to get beyond just the face, so I think it’s time for a full body composition.

Click on the image to see the comparison between 9 and 12 stages.

etched faces comparison

etched faces comparison

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Nine Stage Face

a 9 stage sandblasted face etched in glassThe first attempt at Elizabeth Taylor was tiny in size and consisted of what is called “stage blasting”. It was a six stage blast, and because it was so small, that was more than enough to do the job. This next one is larger and is a nine stage blast. The enlargement allowed for more detail, but nine stages were not enough to maintain the softness. The result is an edgier look that in many cases is a fun way to go, but I think for a female face I like a softer look and so, I ‘ll do this one more time with more stages.

(click image to enlarge)

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Images in Mirror

Hand crafted mirror by Micky BranchThese beautiful flowers are cut and painted into this latest mirror designed and hand beveled by Micky – with each new piece we see more and more possibilities. She is experimenting right now with different shapes and sizes as well as playing with different design concepts and styles. Its safe to say we are leaning toward focusing mostly on achieving an antique look. This is going to turn out to be a perfect medium in which to translate her outstanding photography talent.

(click on the image to enlarge)

Beveled mirror designed and handcrafted by Micky Branch

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Advancement in Portraiture

a face etched in glassThere’s been another improvement on how I approach photo-realism. This is not a photo-resist process. It’s really just traditional stage-blasting, but taken to an extreme level.

This example (based on Philippe Halsman’s photo “Elizabeth Taylor 1948”) is the first in a series I’m going to be posting. The ones to follow are going to be much more intense, more dynamic, and more detailed.

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Queen Anne Door

Glass etching for a Queen Anne style door in Vancouver WashingtonI don’t yet have final photos on this yet, because on this one I am not the installer. As soon as I can though I hope I can get photos of the finished product. This is a very special piece in which both sides of the glass are etched to create a 3 dimensional affect. We also provided the border glass in green, blue, and amber.

(Click on the image for a larger view)

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