About First Light Fused Glass Art

Colleen and Mark Merickel have been creating fused and slumped glass art for over 20 years. Mark perfected (sort of) his glass surfboards while living in Corvallis, Oregon. Colleen creates unique jewelry, dishes, and picture frames.

Mark's interest in surfing began in Ventura, California when he was 14 years old. He bought his first board (a Gordie) in 1962 and has been blessed to be able to surf along the coasts of California and Oregon. Mark grew up surfing "C" Street, Hobo Jungle (third point), Oil Piers and Rincon. After moving to Oregon he bought a 5/4 wetsuit and surfed some great waves. He has also had the opportunity to surf in Mexico, Hawaii, Sumatra, and Bali.

Colleen is a lifelong artist focusing on pen and ink, water color, journal art and fused glass. Colleen has traveled and sketched in the South West, Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe, extending her understanding and love of art.

Note From the Artists

If you are interested in acquiring a FIRST LIGHT surfboard, jewelry, or a different piece of glass art, please contact us via the "CONTACT US FORM" or use the email address provided below.

Like most hand-crafted art, First Light "firsts" are the originals. No hand-crafted products will have exact duplicates. The style, design, and colors can be made consistent on all First Light art-pieces if selected to acquire. Fused glass is a unique medium for an artist. Every piece we make is created by hand out of multiple cut and ground pieces of glass, then fired (fused), then slumped and finished. All surfboards are made to a scale of 1" = 1' to full size surfboards.

Mark and Colleen

Anthony Kupelian

Santa Barbara

Bend

"I grew up in Santa Barbara, California and spent a lot of time at the beach. I started surfing in 1962 on an old dinged-up Dave Sweet. Shortly after, I bought a used, but almost mint 9' 6" Yater. I loved that board!

Mark made me a fused glass replica of my 9'6" Yater. His attention to detail was off the charts! Mark is a true master of his art. Anyone who would like a board, say of an all-time favorite, made of fused glass would be thoroughly pleased with their new board. As a lifetime surfer himself, Mark Merickel knows the details it takes to capture the realistic detail and memories of your board(s)!"