About Turquoise, 445

Turquoise, 445 was inspired by Southwest American Indian art. To mimic natural turquoise we wanted a color that would develop organic red highlights within the green coloration like the stone.

Working Tip: Work this color in a neutral flame. Garage at 975° F, Anneal at 1050° F. Use of reduction at the end of the project can produce subtle red tones.

Artist Description by Mike Shelbo:

"This color is a natural earth-toned opaque greenish blue.

Turquoise is great for solid sculpture and blown work. The density of the color will stay true to the color of the rod before manipulation but when blown, it can become a milky translucent and opalescent version of itself. This is best achieved by sandwiching between clear and blowing thin.

Turquoise works creamy but the slightest bit stiffer than other opaques. Overworking the surface of the color when not encased in clear can lead to undesired surface texture and finish. However, when desired you can use a reduction flame with heavy propane on unencased Turquoise before you put your piece in the annealer to bring out the copper, which will result in very natural toned red tints and streaks interacting with your base color." - Mike Shelbo