Timothy L. Keyzers ~ Artist

Tim has always been a creative person, fascinated by the many avenues of expression. In the mid to late ‘90’s, as a skateboarder and musician-turned-Punk House Manager, Tim experienced powerful insights about the capacity of D.I.Y.; the movement posited: there are no rules (anything is possible), and, at the very least, be honest with yourself. The experience of these concepts has had a profound influence on his style of expression and way of life. His partnership with his wife Mya Lynn, who is a nature-loving science-nerd super-freak with a passion for fashion, has introduced Tim to a world of inspiration and support he had not known. This stability and support gives Tim the confidence and motivation to create from an honest and personal place, with no excuse for taking short cuts.

Tim’s principle practice, lampworking, follows a tradition that dates back 3,500 years. Although the tools, materials and techniques have evolved, the spiritual connection evoked by witnessing the melting glass, then holding the final artifact, has not. Tim uses a bench mount torch fueled by propane and oxygen along with minimal hand tools to manipulate borosilicate glass. His most valuable tools are steady hands and an honest reflection upon his own work. It is challenging to work with sensitive materials, such as dichroics, that may burn out, and color that has such a high metal content that it responds to differential heating and is affected by the gas/oxygen ratio. Dealing with these sensitive materials can often lead to happy accidents and inspire new work. The goal, however, is to transfer that ghost-image in the mind’s eye exactly into the physical realm.