Ruth Billings Canham began Nahiku Art Glass in 2013 after purchasing her first kiln. Immediately she dove into all kinds of experiments, testing what happens when you fire shark teeth, tiny bits of copper, threads of silver, mica, enamels, leaves, seashells, sand, thin branches, ferns, glass powders or when you ramp the kiln up to 1600 degrees. She also created some sensible and practical pieces like dishes, bowls, platters, nightlights, vases and lots of jewelry. That first year she was asked to make favors for a wedding; the bride was so pleased that she asked for keepsake pendants for each of her bridesmaids, and Nahiku Art Glass was off to a pretty decent start. Ruth continues to indulge her urge to experiment, enjoying surprises when she opens the kiln in the morning. Her work is usually a tribute to something: nature, indigenous people, kids, geometry, Buddha, quilters, birds, the Koʻolau Mountains, Kāneʻohe Bay. Each kiln-formed glass piece from Nahiku Art Glass has been individually designed and handmade in Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi and has been hand cut and composed. Although Ruth makes “sister pieces” which are similar in color or design, no two pieces are exactly the same.