to Blown Glass Gallery

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In 1989, she and her family moved to the big Island. For five years, they operated a kiosk at the Prince Kuhio Mall in Hilo, which featured a variety of her blown glass pieces from birds, fish and dolphins to roses. For the past two years, she has concentrated on angels which have become her signature "I think my angels are very original." Says Fieldson. "They are all handmade one of a kind, each one is different. I try to give each one a spirit essence with gesture, color and feeling."

Fieldson explains the glassblowing process. " Making a glass sculpture is very challenging, Each piece begins as a straight rod or tube of Pyrex borosilicate crystal that is formed into shape over a special glass torch. At over 2000 degrees, the intense oxygen-fed fire melts the rod. When the glass begins to soften and flow, I can pull or bend the rod to the figures. All the pieces are done freehand and one at a time." The actual time in the torch is only a few minutes because "you have to learn to work quickly with such concentrated heat." The next process, Fieldson explains, involves applying a 22 karat gold finish to the crystal sculpture and firing it in a kiln. She also uses a technique called "fuming' to "smoke" pure gold or silver over the angels to create shades of pink or yellow. Special lusters provide an iridescent, rainbow effect. Each one is marked with her initials for authenticity.

Although Fieldson took art classes in high school and at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, when it comes to glassblowing she is primarily self taught. "This is something that I love and that I can do working from my home" Fieldson says. " The aloha spirit that is evident throughout Hawaii inspired her to create these delicate angels.

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