Who: Michelle Manquen, Conifer
Medium: fused glass, steel
Her story: Manquen’s involvement with art stretches back to her childhood, but about 15 years ago, she made the move to Colorado and decided to seriously embrace her talents. After taking classes at Red Rocks Community College, she worked with clay, then moved into glass.
Her functional and decorative works are as small as jewelry or as prominent as 26 pieces of cascading glass ribbons she made for former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, a work that spanned about 23 feet.
Using clay or steel molds, Manquen forms colorful female figures, masks and ocean fish for wall art. Tablecloths of glass drape invitingly on real tables, and a large glass dress kissed by the wind recently won her yet another award. Her larger pieces sometimes spend up to two weeks in the kiln, being blasted with heat, then slowly cooled, then torched and cooled again. Even careful maneuvering of the unpredictable glass doesn’t guarantee success. For instance, she made three glass dresses before she had one that worked. Manquen now is moving toward designing more light fixtures, such as sconces, and large statement pieces made of steel and molded glass.
Where you can find her work: Manquen’s work is sold in galleries in Santa Fe and Taos; Key West, Fla.; and Salida and Evergreen. Contact her at 303-697-9421 or mglassworks@msn.com.
Cost: $18 to $3,000
Philosophy or influences: Her travels around the world inspire her designs. She worked for many years on a private yacht. Manquen loves work that allows her to create things that people enjoy for their homes, and at the same time, lets her be at home for her children.
