Meet Anthony Moreno

"I love my horses, I am honored to do them." - Patricia Boyles

By Violet Kirk

You moved here from Chicago to Texas about 3 years ago, I understand the first year you were here you had an unfortunate Christmas, unable to have gifts for your 5 children. This is where you got your idea for Glass Artwork. Could you tell us a little about it? I work for Glasshouse Products in Dallas in the design since relocating to Texas in June of 2014. I had been conversing with our production staff and noticed that they were sweeping up and discarding some beautiful (small) pieces of scrap glass. This was at Christmas – my first year here, and I was Broke. The relocation from Illinois was much costlier than I had imagined, and I had to play catch up those last 5 months. This might have been the first year ever I was not able to gift my 5 (grown) kids. I wondered if I could possibly make something with these beautiful pieces. I asked them and began to brainstorm. Later that week walking past an Isle in a Big Box store, I saw a piece of wood I knew I would be able to work with. Now, my wood blanks (foundations) are made by a woodworker I have met from Alvarado.

Each piece that you have done are all originals, how long does it take you to complete a piece? What is the drying time? I know glass does not play well with others and if I were to merely glue it. It would not hold under changes in temperature or humidity… or? It’s silly whim! So, I decided after gluing (and cure time) I would grout the glass into place. Once the grout was removed I needed to acid wash the glass to set the grout and clean the glass surface. Pieces I create variables in the time to complete. Of course, depending on the size. A small piece could be one day to design-cut and glue. One day to cure. One day to grout/remove grout and then the next day to acid wash and clean. My larger pieces, The Horse and States, Antique Rocking Cradle and the Jazz End table, have taken up to 2 weeks.

How do you build up to your creative mind while working? Do you like to listen to music, or have a quite surroundings while working in your studio? I love to listen to music during art glass creation. Or, often I will listen to replays of our church’s sermons.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Do you sketch out your pieces beforehand, or freeform? Inspiration color choices come from live nature. I see the beautiful Texas sunsets and sunrises and the vast arrays of color delight me. Beautiful, captivating color combinations are everywhere. No, I do not sketch, but often I see the placement of color in my mind. All my glass is a snipped free form. That is how I differ from the traditional mosaics. I don’t argue with the glass, I let it take any shape it chooses. Most glass has an internal flow or line of strength. I have access to some of the finest glass made. There are shapes and directions that the cuts take of their own volition that are impossible to mimic. It’s why I never get cut. The glass is the boss. I just place the pieces in the patterns it chooses to crack (cut) in, then I puzzle piece them together.

Have you always had passion for Glass Art? I have never touched a piece of glass in my life prior to trying art glass that Christmas of 2014. I have always loved tile mosaics. But never thought I would be doing art of any fashion. I am a cook, that has always been my passion.

Is there an art piece you are most proud of? Why? I have a magnificent art glass musical rocking cradle that I have rescued and decorated. It is lovely, and I adore the way the patchwork colors and deep charcoal grout enhance the natural wood beauty. It is from the 1950’s and although I don’t see it a good fit for a young girl. For someone who collects antique dolls, it would be a treasure. And! I love my horses, I am honored to do them.

Would you like to leave any advice for anyone who would like to try Glass Art? Art glass is fun, and I have had many people inquire how to make these pieces. Unfortunately, once people realize how important it is to pay attention to the tiny details (glue, too much/ too little), grout (when is too early/TOO LATE). The ache of acid wash…. They look for some less cumbersome options, choices of media.

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