Gabel Designs

While my work is primarily inspired by the organic natural world, it is merely a suggestion rather than any attempt at representation. I have always been drawn to the contradictory qualities of the two mediums: glass and metal. I produce both functional and non-functional works that may be intended for indoor or outdoor use. I was raised on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan in the small town of Ludington, MI. After receiving a B.S in Production Management from Ferris State University, I headed west in search of new adventures. After falling in love with Portland and it’s surrounding areas (or let’s be honest,I ran out of money) I decided to plant my roots there. My first job upon arrival was at Bullseye Glass Company, the world leader in art glass manufacturing for art and architecture. I started on the ground floor hand ladling molten glass and extruding it into sheets. I quickly worked my way to Production Floor Manager where I remain for nearly 3 decades. It was there I honed my glass making skills as a manager and as an artist. It was also there that I bribed the maintenance workers with snacks from the vending machine in exchange for welding lessons. When I’m not in the glass studio or metal shop, you might find me on the North fork of the Nehalem river chasing the elusive steelhead, strumming a guitar, searching out a rare bird with my wife Kasey or taking beach walks with our dog Roxy.