Linda Condray has been working in glass since 1992 when she learned traditional stained glass techniques from a neighbor while stationed with her husband on the island of Guam. In 1996, she started her business, Walking on Broken Glass, to sell her traditional and mosaic stained glass garden ware. In 2008, Linda moved to the DC area while her husband was stationed at the Pentagon. They currently live in the Woodbridge, Va. area. She shows in various art shows in the northern Virginia area. She also volunteers and teaches flame working at The Workhouse, Glasshouse in Lorton, Va.

In 2009, Linda began trying to create three dimensional orchids in her fused glass panels and showed her results in the Maryland orchid society show. This quest has continued as she’s developed the orchids and many other glass flowers using flamework techniques. Linda’s orchids are created using Borosilicate glass and are often mounted on driftwood, lava rocks or other rock substrates. She’s developed techniques to have the roots of her plants follow the contours of the mounting piece. Her panel pieces incorporate Italian soft glass flowers that were created on torch and then fused onto the base glass to create a unique 3D framed piece. Linda is also a professional framer and makes her frames to coordinate with each glass piece. 

Lampworking entails working on a 2000+F degree oxygen/propane torch. The glass rods are melted and formed into petals and other constituent parts. These parts are then assembled in the torch to create the finished flower. For sculptural pieces she carefully heats the glass roots and bends them to follow the contours of the base.

Roots and stems are intentionally kept mostly in clear glass to emphasize the flower’s connection to its earthly base. Her panel pieces incorporate flowers and many other components to create a moment in time, such as cherry blossom petal rain, in her fused panel pieces. These elements are assembled and fused in a glass kiln two or more times to fine tune the image and firmly adhere the glass elements to their glass base. 

To see the full range of this talented artist, visit her at the Art A La Carte Gallery, 310 Mill Street, Occoquan VA, site or check out www.lindawalkingonbrokenglass.com. Additional images of works featured here can be viewed by contacting her directly. Her 3D pieces are difficult to mail, please contact her directly to arrange mailing or delivery if unable to pick up at the gallery.