Marianne Rowe

Since Marianne began exploring the creative possibilities of glass in 1998, she has studied glass fusing and design techniques at the Bullseye Glass Company studio in Portland and at Monterey Peninsula College. Her work has been shown at juried shows in Carmel CA and at the Monterey Co. Fair, where it was awarded First Prize in 2006 and 2007.

The source of her work's inspiration are the colors and attributes of the 5 Elements as described in the Tibetan Buddhist and Bon traditions.

The yellow golds and browns of the Earth Element are associated with order and stability. The blues of the Water Element may evoke clarity and adaptability. The Fire Element, with its reds and oranges, is connected to creativity and passion. The Air Element, associated with various greens, is seen as the origin of ideas and movement. The Space Element is considered to be the source of all form and, as such, has no one color connection, but is represented as clear and luminous.

Also present in Marianne's work are Native American and Japanese calligraphy design elements. The petroglyph and kachina-inspired pieces are intended to evoke remembrance of spirit guides and teachers. The "brushed" circle, or enso, is considered a symbol of enlightenment, or the void, in Zen Buddhist tradition.

The transformations that occur in the fusing process as the glass is kiln-fired to about 1400 degrees, as well as the play of color and light in the finished pieces, are sources of enjoyment and, often, pleasant surprise. Whether in her art studio or the office of her psychotherapy practice, Marianne considers herself very fortunate to be doing this work.