True collaboration occurs when the input of more than one person is essential to the concept and outcome of the work.

When we started working together on glass pieces our roles were very distinct.  Stephanie was carried away with color and very skilled at varying the outcome of the color composition.  Different glasses have very different characteristics that causes "form to follow color" in the blowout.  Hugh was more capable of handling the crazy behavior of the resulting multicolored mass.

As the color work has gotten more complex and the scale and refinement of forms have taken a leap, we act more to assist each other as needed throughout the process of each piece.  Most of the time we have a general idea of what we are shooting for.  Sometimes we let it evolve as we go, but we always work to agree on the final outcome before we call it finished.  We talk a lot before, during and after making a piece.

Recuperator Paper