An artist at heart, Dan Sullivan’s formal intro to glass art began in 2002 at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, followed by a Craft and Design degree program at Sheridan College in Canada. After graduation, Dan returned to Pittsburgh, where he’s been recognized with a Three Rivers Honors Award. He also received the 2019 Award of Excellence at Art in the Wilds in Kane, Pa. With an endless variety of techniques and designs, Dan creates unique and original pieces of wearable glass art, including borosilicate glass jewelry, functional art and hot sculpted glass vessels. Using a torch running on propane and oxygen at 2,500 degrees, he melts clear glass with different forms of colored glass. With a soft flame, he controls the heat and viscosity of the glass to draw an intricate pattern. Once the color is melted, the design implodes and magnifies within the glass lens. Recently, he started incorporating opals to the center of the implosions, creating extra depth and value. He’s also added new elements into his work using silver, copper and flakes of colored glass to create a galaxy-like effect. After the pendant is completed and signed, it’s annealed in a kiln, slowly cooling to prevent cracking. His 3D Implosion Pendants are the most attractive and labor-intensive pieces. You can find Dan selling his wearable art on various Saturdays at the Artisan Market in Pittsburgh’s historical Strip District and at art shows in western Pa. and surrounding areas.