Debra Hernandez

Debra Hernandez, a graduate of Purdue University, is the niece of well-known Southwestern artist and sculptor Bill Worrell. She began her endeavors in glass art during the late 90s with custom leaded stained glass pieces. From those beginnings, a passion for creating custom glass jewelry flourished.

Debra specializes in dichroic glass, which contains a fine coating of rare metals such as gold, silver, titanium, chromium, aluminum, zirconium, magnesium and silicon. These metals imbue the glass with the ability to reflect and bend light waves. Certain wavelengths of light will either pass through the glass or be reflected, causing the array of colors and shimmering effects so artfully displayed in each of Debra’s pieces.

Originally developed by NASA, dichroic glass is created when ultra thin layers of metal are applied to the surface of the glass and then kiln fired at extreme temperatures in a vacuum. The resulting plate of dichroic glass is a vibrant creation that, due to the variations in the firing, is virtually impossible to recreate. Each piece of dichroic glass is unique and no two pieces will ever be the same.

Debra fashions her jewelry by hand, fusing shades of the finest stained glass with beautifully iridescent dichroic elements. The reflections and refractions in each one-of-a-kind piece create dynamic and wearable art. The colors change with the environment and the viewing angle – generating a dynamic new visual that is constantly changing! Combining unique beads and jewels with her custom glass pendants, bronze, and silver work, Debra is able to design and create unique, wearable art.

Debra’s glass creations encompass a variety of styles and she welcomes the opportunity to create custom pieces of jewelry. Debra’s designs are all one-of-a-kind pieces that have their own flair, whimsy, and distinctive beauty. Color, texture, and glass are just a few of Debra’s passions. It is apparent to anyone who views Debra’s art that there is a definite love affair between the artist and her chosen medium.