Amethyst Sun God Pendant

As a master of classical realism, Salt Spring Island's Thomas McPhee combines both figurative and stylized elements in his work that often involves mythological themes and archetypes. The carvings range from small jewelry sized pieces to larger sculptures.

These miniature crystal sculptures were kiln cast in the centuries old technique first used by the ancient Egyptians 5000 years ago to create gems for the Pharaohs.  This method was lost for centuries until it was rediscovered by French Artists in the late 19th Century.

Each piece is individually created at Thomas McPhee's studio on Salt Spring Island, BC.

Pâte de verre is a formula for cast lead crystal glass developed among ancient classical societies and revived by French decorative arts like Galle and Tiffany at the turn of the 20th Century. We have developed our own process down to the point of being able to imitate original material. Some cast pieces resemble gem stones such as amethyst, sapphire, tourmaline or emerald. It can also look like jade or agate with the opaque coloured glass.

'Avant garde art glass'