About the Vortex

Vortex Glassworks is the Lampwork Borosilicate Glass Sculpture, Pendants, Beads and Cabochons made by Kenny Talamas and Allison Byrd. We fuse fire, glass and Creativity to create art and jewelry that inspire an awareness and appreciation of the natural world.  We hope our work  will be a spark in the dark to lighten up your day!

Kenny Talamas

I’ve been a full time lampworker (glass torch artist) since 1997. I was an artist and musisian before I found glass; Originally from Sarasota, Florida, where I painted murals with our family business for ten years  then  later apprenticed with sculptor Frank Colson, who had a profound influence on my technique and attention to detail. There I learned hand-building ceramic techniques, bronze casting and developed a passion for the "FIRE ARTS". I studied  Art and Sculpture at Hillsboro Community College   for a couple of years, then took a HOT GLASS workshop with glass artist Susan Gott in Tampa, FL., I was hooked! I then studied lampworking with glass artist Robert Mickelsen at The Penland School of Crafts and also studied hot glass sculpture with glass artist Mark Petrovic at Penland.  After a short time on my own, I worked with lampwork Artist Colby Wise, where I learned to refine my technique and understand the science of borosilicate glasswork. I met Allison in 1999 and we moved the Coast of Oregon in 2001. Allison and I now work full time together on Glass Art projects and Jewelry designs.  We appreciate all of the support (and purchases) over the years of our collectors and friends, You Fuel the Fire!

Allison Byrd

I have always loved adornments. I was introduced to the world of gemstone beaded jewelry designs in 2002 and found it liberating to have the ability to create wearable works of art for myself and for sale. Designer Lily Hursh helped me break open the limitations of the design using bold and unique beads.  She continues to inspire me and those around her at her bead store, Waterlily Studio in Brown Dog Antiques, Florence Oregon.   In my designs I often use custom glass beads and pendants made by Kenny. Naturally, making my own beads out of glass became a passion, so much that I now create glass beads, cabochons and pendants for artists and designers full time. I am a member of the Florence Area Beaders (FAB). With every meeting I’m flooded with new ideas and support from our beading community.  Designer and friend Kelly Angley of Beadologie has incorporated my beads and cabochons into some of her published works in Stringing Magazine. Also, Kenny and I collaborated on glass components for Nicole Campanella of Beadwright .Her necklace and an article about Vortex Glassworks is coming out in the Spring 2009 issue of Belle Armoire. I am grateful for all the inspiration and support from my Friends, my Family, Mother Earth and the Cosmos.