The Alchemy of Fire and Vision
Picture this: A sun-drenched workshop in the Bordeaux wine region. Thousands of colored glass fragments catch the light like scattered gemstones. A kiln glows amber in the corner. And in the center of it all, an artist whose hands transform molten sand into poetry.
Welcome to the world of Marie-Odile Revouy — a French glass artist who bridges the gap between chemistry and creativity, between ancient technique and contemporary vision.
Working under the moniker MORE, this former chemical engineer has spent the last decade mastering the delicate dance between fire and glass at her studio in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, just outside Bordeaux. Her work? Luminous, layered pieces that seem to capture sunlight itself.
From Lab Coat to Artist’s Apron
The Unexpected Journey
Marie-Odile didn’t start in the art world.
After graduating from the prestigious École Supérieure de Chimie Organique et Minérale in Paris with a degree in Materials Science, she worked as a chemical engineer at Telesystemes throughout the 1980s. But something was missing.
« Since childhood, I’ve been shaping, painting, enameling, sculpting, » she recalls. « I transformed everything I could touch — clay, wood, concrete, stone, cardboard, paper. »
The American Awakening
The turning point came during a three-year residency in Arkansas, where Revouy discovered the American studio glass movement. The bold experimentation and technical innovation she encountered there sparked something profound.
She immersed herself in fusing and flameworking — techniques that perfectly married her scientific background with her artistic calling. By the time she returned to France, her path was clear.
In 2013, she made it official: Marie-Odile Revouy would be a full-time glass artist.
More Glass Creations: A Laboratory of Light
The Studio as Sanctuary
Revouy’s workspace — which she calls her « atelier-garage-laboratoire » — defies easy categorization. It’s part chemistry lab, part artist’s studio, part meditation space.
Step inside and you’ll find:
Kilns capable of reaching 1,500°F
Torches for flameworking delicate details
Workbenches overflowing with colored glass rods
Shelves lined with metallic oxide powders
Works-in-progress waiting for their transformation by fire
It’s organized chaos. Precise experimentation. A place where science and soul collide.
Opening the Doors
But MORE Glass Creations isn’t just Revouy’s private domain. She regularly welcomes:
- Studio visitors (by appointment)
- Workshop participants learning fusing techniques
- Aspiring glass artists seeking mentorship
- Collectors discovering new work
Located in the Bordeaux wine country, the studio has become a destination for those seeking authentic French artisanal craft.
The Techniques: Ancient Processes, Contemporary Vision
Fusing: The Patient Art
Fusing dates back 3,500 years to the kilns of Mesopotamia. Revouy has made it her signature.
Her process:
Start with transparent glass sheets — virgin canvases waiting for color.
Add metallic oxides:
- Cobalt for deep blues
- Copper or gold for rich reds
- Chrome for brilliant yellows
Cut the tinted sheets with surgical precision. Assemble them like a puzzle. Then trust the fire.
The kiln firing cycle takes approximately 16 hours, reaching temperatures between 1,400-1,560°F. The glass melts, fuses, becomes one. Colors bleed into each other. Transparencies layer like watercolors on paper.
When it emerges, cooled slowly over hours to prevent cracking, the piece is transformed. What was flat becomes dimensional. What was separate becomes unified.
Flameworking: Sculpting Fire
While fusing works with flat sheets, flameworking — also called lampworking — involves sculpting solid glass rods over an open flame.
Revouy uses thick glass rods (called canes in the trade), heating them to 1,100-1,800°F until they become molten and pliable. Then she:
- Pulls the glass into delicate strands
- Wraps colored threads around cores
- Adds metallic flakes and powders
- Shapes the glass while it’s still glowing
It requires perfect hand-eye coordination, intuitive temperature control, and endless patience.
The results? Intricate glass beads, jewelry components, and sculptural elements that become building blocks for larger compositions.
Thermoforming: Shaping Light
Thermoforming takes flat fused glass and gives it dimension. Revouy heats the glass to its softening point, then shapes it over or into molds.
The technique transforms two-dimensional panels into three-dimensional sculptures that seem to dance with light. Curves and volumes emerge. The glass becomes architectural, almost alive.
The Work: Capturing the Ephemeral
Wall Panels & Installations
Revouy’s fused glass panels aren’t mere decoration — they’re windows into light itself.
Each piece changes throughout the day:
- Morning sun reveals subtle gradations
- Midday light intensifies colors
- Evening glow creates entirely new compositions
- Artificial light at night transforms them again
Dimensions: From intimate 12×12″ pieces to monumental 6-foot installations
Price range: $350-$2,500 depending on size and complexity
Applications: Residential walls, room dividers, architectural features, corporate installations
Sculptures & Mobile Compositions
Revouy’s three-dimensional works capture motion frozen in glass. Some incorporate kinetic elements — pieces that rotate slowly, creating ever-shifting patterns of light and shadow.
These aren’t static objects. They’re living presences that transform spaces.
Commissions available: Custom sculptures designed for specific environments
Timeline: 6-16 weeks depending on complexity
Investment: Quoted individually based on scope
Wearable Art
Why shouldn’t extraordinary glass be portable?
Revouy creates wearable sculptures — jewelry pieces that are genuine artworks you can take with you:
- Necklaces featuring fused glass pendants
- Rings with flameworked glass elements
- Earrings that catch light beautifully
- Bracelets combining glass and metal
Each piece is unique, handcrafted, wearable daily.
Starting at $40 for simple pieces
Custom designs welcome
The Inspiration: Nature Through Glass
The Bordeaux Landscape
Living in the Gironde region of southwestern France profoundly influences Revouy’s palette and forms.
The rolling vineyards. The Atlantic coast. The pine forests. The rivers reflecting sky.
She doesn’t recreate these landscapes literally. Instead, she distills their essence:
- The blue-green of water
- The amber of autumn vines
- The silver-gray of overcast skies
- The deep green of maritime pines
Her work evokes these places without depicting them directly — abstract yet deeply rooted in the specific geography of her home.
Emotion as Language
But Revouy’s work goes beyond landscape. Each piece embodies emotional states:
Joy: Explosive color combinations, dynamic compositions
Serenity: Soft gradations, peaceful blues and greens
Contemplation: Minimalist forms, subtle tonal shifts
Passion: Bold reds and oranges, dramatic contrasts
« I’m trying to capture the ephemeral, » she explains. « To hold a moment of light, a fleeting emotion, and make it permanent in glass. »
The Science Behind the Art
Chemistry Meets Creativity
Revouy’s engineering background isn’t incidental — it’s fundamental to her practice.
Understanding glass at the molecular level allows her to:
- Formulate custom color mixtures
- Predict chemical reactions during firing
- Avoid compatibility issues between different glass types
- Control thermal expansion coefficients to prevent cracking
She approaches each piece with both intuition and analysis, feeling and formula.
Constant Experimentation
« Passionate about research and experience, » as she describes herself, Revouy treats her studio as an active laboratory.
Failed experiments? They’re learning opportunities.
Unexpected results? They open new creative possibilities.
This scientific mindset — test, observe, adjust, repeat — generates continual innovation in her work.
Recognition & Presence
Exhibitions & Shows
Revouy’s work has been featured in:
- Galleries throughout the Gironde region
- Artisan craft fairs in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- International exhibitions during her US residence
- Regional contemporary craft showcases
While she maintains a relatively low profile compared to some glass artists, her work speaks for itself — each piece a testament to technical mastery and artistic vision.
The Market for French Glass Art
According to France’s Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA), the French craft sector generates nearly $33 billion annually and employs over 60,000 artisans.
Revouy represents the best of this tradition: combining centuries-old techniques with contemporary aesthetics, creating investment-grade artworks that appreciate over time.
Acquiring Revouy’s Work
Direct Purchase Options
Online:
- Official website: moreglasscreations.wixsite.com/more
- Etsy shop for available works
- Sumup boutique for jewelry
In Person:
- Studio visits by appointment in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles
- Regional exhibitions and craft shows
- Partner galleries in Bordeaux region
Custom Commissions
Interested in a piece designed specifically for your space?
Revouy welcomes commission inquiries. The collaborative process typically involves:
- Initial consultation — Discuss your vision, space, budget
- Concept development — Revouy creates proposals
- Approval & timeline — Finalize design, establish schedule
- Creation phase — Your piece comes to life
- Installation — Delivered and installed (if needed)
Timeline: 6-16 weeks typical
Pricing: Based on size, complexity, materials
Learning from a Master
Workshop Offerings
Want to experience the magic of glass art firsthand?
Revouy offers several educational formats:
Weekend Fusing Intensive
Introduction to kiln-formed glass
All skill levels welcome
Maximum 6 participants
5-Day Flameworking Bootcamp
Torch technique fundamentals
Create wearable art
Intermediate commitment
Private Sessions
Customized instruction
One-on-one or small groups
Flexible scheduling
All workshops include materials, tool use, and kiln firing of your work.
Why Invest in Revouy’s Work
Artistic Merit
Each piece represents:
- Years of technical mastery
- Unique creative vision
- Highest quality materials
- Impeccable craftsmanship
Investment Value
Studio glass art has shown strong appreciation in the collector market. Revouy’s work specifically offers:
- Rarity — Each piece is unique, never repeated
- Provenance — Documented directly from the artist
- Durability — Properly created glass lasts centuries
- Aesthetic versatility — Works in traditional and contemporary settings
Supporting Living Artists
When you acquire work directly from an artist like Revouy, you’re:
- Sustaining traditional French craftsmanship
- Supporting a working artist’s practice
- Participating in the creative process
- Building a relationship with the maker
It’s not just a purchase — it’s a connection.
Glass Art Glossary
Annealing — Controlled cooling process that removes internal stress from glass, preventing cracking
COE (Coefficient of Expansion) — Measurement of how much glass expands/contracts with temperature changes; incompatible COEs cause breakage
Devitrification — Surface crystallization that creates unwanted cloudy appearance on glass
Flameworking/Lampworking — Technique of melting and shaping glass rods using a torch flame
Frit — Small glass particles used to add color and texture in fusing
Fusing — Process of melting multiple pieces of glass together in a kiln to form a single piece
Mandrel — Metal rod around which glass is wound in bead making
Metallic Oxides — Chemical compounds used to color glass (cobalt oxide = blue, etc.)
Rods/Canes — Thick cylindrical glass forms used in flameworking
Slumping — Technique of heating glass until it sags or « slumps » over/into a mold
Tack Fuse — Partial fusing where pieces stick together but maintain distinct edges and texture
Thermoforming — Shaping heated glass in or over molds
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Revouy’s studio located?
20 rue du Périgord, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles (33160), just outside Bordeaux in southwestern France. Approximately 25 minutes from downtown Bordeaux.
Can I visit the studio?
Yes, by appointment only. Contact through the website or social media to schedule.
What’s the difference between fusing and flameworking?
Fusing works with flat glass sheets melted in a kiln over 16+ hours. Flameworking sculpts solid glass rods with a torch in real-time. Complementary techniques, different processes.
How much should I budget for a commissioned piece?
Wearable art starts around $40. Small panels begin at $350. Large installations range $1,200-$2,500+. Sculptures are individually quoted based on complexity.
Does Revouy ship internationally?
Yes, though international shipping for larger pieces can be complex. Discuss logistics during the commission process.
How long do Revouy’s pieces last?
Indefinitely. Properly annealed glass is extraordinarily durable and won’t fade, discolor, or degrade. Your grandchildren will enjoy the work.
Can I take a workshop if I have no experience?
Absolutely. Weekend fusing workshops are designed for complete beginners. Come with curiosity, leave with your own creation.
What makes Revouy’s work unique?
The combination of scientific precision and artistic intuition. Her engineering background allows technical innovations most glass artists can’t achieve, while her creative vision ensures every piece has emotional depth.
Connect with Marie-Odile Revouy
Online Presence
Official Website: moreglasscreations.wixsite.com/more
Facebook: Search « More Glass Creations »
Instagram: Follow for studio updates and new work
Etsy Shop: Available pieces
Sumup Store: Jewelry collection
Studio Contact
More Glass Creations
Marie-Odile Revouy
20 rue du Périgord
33160 Saint-Médard-en-Jalles
France
By Appointment Only
Easily accessible from Bordeaux city center
The Invitation
Marie-Odile Revouy‘s work exists at the intersection of light and matter, science and soul, tradition and innovation.
Each piece she creates is an invitation:
To slow down
To notice light
To appreciate craft
To feel something authentic
In a world of mass production and digital distraction, Revouy offers something increasingly rare: handmade objects of genuine beauty and enduring value.
Whether you’re a serious collector, a first-time art buyer, or simply someone who appreciates the extraordinary, Revouy’s studio welcomes you.
Ready to bring light into your life?
Reach out today. Discover what’s possible when chemistry meets creativity, when patience meets passion, when glass becomes art.
For Collectors & Art Professionals
Artist Profile Summary:
Marie-Odile Revouy (b. 1957, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, France)
Working Name: MORE
Education: École Supérieure de Chimie Organique et Minérale, Paris (Materials Science)
Active Since: 2013 (professional); lifelong maker
Medium: Kiln-formed glass (fusing, thermoforming), flameworked glass
Studio: More Glass Creations, Gironde, France
Style: Contemporary abstract, nature-inspired, light-focused
Techniques: Fusing, flameworking, thermoforming, metallic oxide coloration
Price Range: $40-$2,500+ (jewelry to large installations)
Availability: Direct from artist, select galleries, custom commissions
Notable: Rare combination of engineering expertise and artistic sensibility; former chemical engineer bringing scientific precision to studio glass practice
Final Thoughts: An Artist Worth Watching
In the crowded field of contemporary glass art, Marie-Odile Revouy stands out not through self-promotion or gallery hype, but through the quiet excellence of her work.
She’s an artist who:
- Lets the work speak
- Focuses on craft over marketing
- Values substance over spectacle
- Builds slowly, carefully, authentically
These qualities — increasingly rare in our instant-gratification culture — make her work especially compelling for discerning collectors.
As the French studio glass movement continues gaining international recognition, artists like Revouy represent its best impulses: technical mastery, aesthetic sophistication, and genuine innovation.
This is an artist to acquire now, while her work remains accessible.
As her reputation grows — and it will — so will demand for her pieces.
Article prepared for ArtNova Gallery — Celebrating exceptional contemporary artists — November 2025
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For gallery inquiries, commission questions, or studio visit scheduling, contact More Glass Creations directly through their official website.
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