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MICHAEL TONDER Two Harbors, Minnesota
Michael Tonder is inspired by ice waterfalls, ice flows, and ice layers on the spring shores of Lake Superior and other northern waters. One scene in particular has stayed in his mind. In a shallow stretch of the Mississippi River near Little Falls, Minnesota, he observed spring ice piled upstream as far as he could see, the jagged edges pushing up from a normally flat view. That scene is repeated in his kiln-fired art glass.
Using 100% post-consumer recycled plate glass, Michael cuts, assembles, and kiln fires each piece. Sand, clay, steel, or ceramic paper forms are used to contain the glass in specific shapes during the firing process. After the firing, Michael selectively sandblasts each piece to achieve various textures and smooth the sharp edges. The finished product is one of a kind in shape, texture and variation of plate glass color.
A self-taught artist, Michael works in his studio adjacent to his home on Thomas Lake, near Two Harbors. He has been a full time glassworker since 1987. His innovative monochromatic approach and commitment to recycled materials have earned several awards. His work is sold at selected galleries and art festivals throughout the Southeastern and Midwestern United States and included in private collections in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
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