Because of its sophisticated processing and high lead content, lead crystal optical glass is more pure and radiant than lead crystal. Optical glass is unsurpassed in its ability to gather and transmit light. It is used in telescope lenses and in laser technologies, as well as in optic fiber cables that transmit light hundreds of feet even miles - with no loss of intensity. It is this clarity and brilliance that make optical glass such an attractive and inspiring material for Denali Crystal sculptures. In the studio, the artists, working as a team, share and discuss ideas and concepts.
Preliminary sketches bring together design and the technical understanding of optics.
The plans may be followed precisely or modified by a spark of illumination. Crystal has no hidden surfaces, so the integrity of each action shows. The artists work standing up at the lapidary machines, most of which were designed by Peter and Desmond, pressing the crystal against the wheel with two hands. The first step is cutting with a diamond saw blade, giving the piece its form. Smoothing on diamond sanding pads with water, then on an iron plate with a fine slurry of aluminum oxide produces an opaque, satiny finish similar to etched glass.