Thomas J Quinn Art Studio
Statement
For as long as I can remember, I have been mesmerized by the transition of solids to fluids and back again. As a child, I spent countless hours casting and forming wax, pewter, and aluminum—not with a specific outcome in mind, but driven purely by curiosity. I was captivated by the moment transformation occurred, when rigid materials surrendered to heat and gravity and then reemerged as something entirely new. In high school, I immersed myself in every shop class available, especially those centered on welding and metal casting. After graduation, I worked at a metal heat treatment plant, where I gained hands-on experience with high-end furnaces and quenching equipment. Those early encounters with industrial heat and material science laid the foundation for my artistic voice.
In 2010, I purchased my first kiln and immersed myself in the art of kiln-formed glass. Discovering glass felt like stepping into another dimension—a space where solids, liquids, light, and color coexist in constant dialogue. Unlike metal, glass carries luminosity within it. It bends, flows, and fuses in ways that feel both unpredictable and deeply intentional. With its endless spectrum of color and transparency, glass expanded my understanding of transformation. I felt as though I had stumbled upon a fourth dimension—one where gravity paints, heat sculpts, and light completes the work.
Nature, faith, and the inherent beauty of creation continually inspire me. With an infinite supply of color and form to draw from, I am never without a project waiting to be explored. While I follow few rules in selecting my subjects, my intention remains constant: to evoke an uplifting emotional response. I am drawn to purity, light, and positivity—seeking to create work that invites pause and wonder.
My goal is to leave the viewer mesmerized and fascinated, caught in that same moment of transformation that first captured me. Through glass, I aim to reveal the quiet magic of change—the beauty found in movement, fusion, and the dance between control and surrender.
About
Surrounded by majestic mountains, crystal-clear streams, and within reach of both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, I am truly blessed to live and work in the Mountain West. This landscape—vast, untamed, and endlessly inspiring—shapes much of my artistic vision. The majority of my subjects grow organically from my surroundings, my professional experiences, and the quiet awe that comes from living close to such powerful natural beauty.
As a mixed media artist, I work with wood, metal, and glass, with a primary focus on kiln-formed glass. My background in welding, electrical work, plumbing, mechanics, and carpentry allows me to build the jigs, molds, and structural configurations necessary to bring complex ideas to life. I am entirely self-taught, shaped by persistence, experimentation, and a willingness to fail. Trial and error have been my greatest instructors—along with a substantial collection of scrap glass that stands as evidence of the learning process.
My process typically begins with sheet glass as a canvas. From there, I layer additional elements—sheet glass, rods, powders, and crushed glass (frit)—to build depth, movement, and texture. The assembled piece then enters the kiln, often for two to three days, reaching temperatures as high as 1550°F. Firing schedules vary depending on thickness and the desired outcome, and it is rare that a piece requires only one session. Many powder-based works are developed in stages and may undergo as many as six firings before completion. Each cycle through the kiln is both a technical calculation and an act of faith, as heat transforms intention into final form.
I set few boundaries for subject matter. Anything that sparks curiosity is fair ground for exploration. My background in electronics inspired a series incorporating printed circuit boards, while my work at a pharmaceutical company led to a collection interpreting molecular structures in glass. Countless visits to Bannack State Park inspired a series reflecting the spirit of the historic Bannack Ghost Town. Another body of work explored nebulae and galaxies, incorporating dichroic glass to capture shifting light and cosmic depth.
Nothing is off limits in terms of inspiration; however, I consciously reject dark or negative themes. My intention is to create work rooted in curiosity, beauty, and a sense of wonder. I do not pursue awards or accolades, nor do I measure success by them. The completed work itself—born from heat, patience, and persistence—is my reward.
Being eternally fascinated by glass, its unique properties and endless colors, I continue to push the limits and recently started a series called “Colors of Yellowstone”. It is based on the colors of the many diverse thermal features the park holds. Attempting to capture in glass some of Gods splendid and colorful creations has been challenging yet inspiring. Stay tuned!
Soli Deo Gloria


Welcome to my Studio
Enjoy the site and hopefully you like what you see. If you see a piece that you would like to purchase contact me and we can determine a path forward if it's still available. I can sell direct or proceed to list it on Etsy and let them deal with the financial side of it. I like Etsy because they deal with everything. They do charge me a small commission but its a safe site for both buyer and seller so I don't mind. Contact form is at bottom of page.
Maybe you don't see anything that suits your taste but have an idea that you would like to see in glass I am always open to discuss it. Some things do well as glass artwork and others not so much. If it is something that lends itself to my abilities I would happily accept commission work. Or maybe you like a piece I have already completed but would like different colors?