When artist Lauren Becker began working with glass, she didn’t expect that observant Jews would become some of her most devoted customers.
Attribute it to the Internet. An Internet search for glass dishes usually directs those looking for such items directly to the Oakland-based Becker.
Becker will be exhibiting her work at the upcoming Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California’s Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival this weekend. She also will be exhibiting for the first time at Palo Alto’s “To Life!” Jewish Cultural Festival in the fall.
Becker, who is Jewish but not observant, quickly learned why her dishes appeal to observant Jews.
While those who keep kosher need two sets of dishes, one for meat and one for dairy, “glass dishes can eliminate the hassle of having two separate sets,” she said. “With a dishwasher and hot-enough water, glass is a nonporous-enough material that it eliminates the need for the second set.”
Some customers have even bought two sets from her, saying they want to raise their children with two sets of dishes, as they were raised. But with the dishes being made of glass, “if someone makes a mistake, it’s not such a big deal,” she said. “My dishes will cover all their bases.”
Becker, who is originally from Long Island, N.Y., began on her artistic path as a potter. But being an environmentalist, she began thinking about using recycled materials. She refined her process and learned this particular technique while working other jobs, though now she is able to do her glass work full time.
“I wanted to use something I’d be rescuing rather than purchasing and consuming, and that got me on this path,” she said.
The glass she uses — from old sliding doors and storefront windows — is not easily recycled and would not be accepted at the local recycling center.
Becker uses a technique in which she cuts the glass into the shape she wants and lays it upon a mold, during what is called a “slump” firing in the kiln.
Many glass artists use molten glass, to shape it and fuse colors. But Becker heats the glass just until its softening point, which is 1,000-degrees cooler than molten. This is also more energy efficient, she said.
Becker’s dishes and bowls, which come in several colors and designs, can be viewed at her Web site: recycledglassworks.com.
The Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 10, and Sunday, July 11 at the Palo Alto Art Center, corner of Newell and Embarcadero. Admission is free. Information: acga.net.