"During my college years, I immersed myself in drawing and painting until I discovered clay. Working in ceramics was like coming home. It fed my need for physical and spiritual involvement in the aesthetic process. However, my early hand-built slabs really called for 'something else' to complete them. Blown glass forms were suggested as a possible solution. I had less than successful results in combining the two, but continued studying glass. Later I started a clay and glass cooperative, selling wine goblets, tumblers, and paperweights to finance my more experimental glass endeavors. I perfected a technique of design and form in glass that came to be called the "Reptilian" series. These pieces really got things happening. Currently, I operate Philabaum Contemporary Glass in a remodeled and expanded former Tastee-Freeze restaurant in downtown Tucson, Arizona. Over 400 glass artists have participated in our exhibitions. I have had an interesting and varied career, and I thank all the people who have helped me."

<= back to Philabaum