For Cleveland-based artist Caleb Paul, supporting children is in his DNA. As a member of the founding family of Wigs for Kids, Caleb and his family have been dedicated to our mission for over 35 years. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our partnership for this year’s limited-edition ornaments!
For this year’s ornament, we will be making our own “color frit” by shattering glass bubbles in water. This technique creates unique shards of glass that will then be fused and melted onto the ornament to resemble icicles. I called this ornament series “Icicle” because each piece will be unique depending on how much the glass is melted into the ornament. Some ornaments will look frozen and jagged, while others will look smooth and rounded, as if they are in the process of melting.
As a glass artist, I have had to endure the harsh reality of glass breaking. You may work on a piece for hours, and with one miscalculated move, the piece shatters on the floor. Although difficult, I have learned over time to not become discouraged when it happens but, instead, to stay confident and believe the next piece will turn out even better.
Out of unfortunate miscalculations, I created a recycled glass series called Shattered Glass Arts. I take the broken pieces and redesign them by fusing the glass back together in a different way than originally planned. This process breathes new life into the broken pieces and creates truly unique designs that could not have existed without the pain and heartbreak of shattered glass.
My work with Wigs for Kids has inspired the work I do with glass. My hope is to remind others that no matter what happens in life, no matter how broken you feel, if you put the pieces back together and believe in yourself, you can create something even more beautiful than you could have ever imagined.
Purchase your unique ornament here: wigsforkids.org/product/2019ornament/
You can visit Caleb’s website at www.shatteredglassarts.com.