In 1980, Francis Muscat enrolled in the Kiln Fired Glass course at O.C.A (now OCAD). It was there that he knew this material was what he want to be working with and to conquer. At O.C.A. he learned the technical aspects of warm glass. Upon further research, Francis wanted to start to build with glass. He knew that working in three dimensions was more gratifying, so he set out to learn about adhesives and the structural integrity of glass.
There are an abundance of chemicals, adhesives, tools and machinery that can be used to construct with and create sculpture. Glass is Francis' primary material but he also started to combine it with metals, wood, and stone and discovered that glass begs to be partnered with other types of materials.
"Stone and glass speak to each other in harmony. There is a relationship there that is metaphysical; one comes to and goes from the other. Glass by itself is inherently seductive. It draws you near, it begs to be understood, it is a magical material that is awe inspiring. This becomes a challenge for me as it needs to go beyond its sexy self to become sculpture. My challenge is to use it as any other artist’s material; hence I subdue its polished quality and take advantage of its translucent qualities."
