There are places so hot in Texas that hell leases space.
Winds can roar and dust can fly everywhere.
In Texas insulation is required for homes and offices built under the relentless sun.
Looking around at the hills and rocks, it becomes apparent that the winds have whipped up the sand and sent it into the cliffs, cutting away shapes in the age old process of erosion.
Texas sandblasting has shaped the landscape in a million ways.
Blasting sand on glass is a way to modify windows and reduce the greenhouse effect of glass.
Etching of glass with fine sand or other particles such as walnut shells or slag creates a smoky semi opaque quality.
When light bounces off etched glass a frosty white translucent image can be seen on the other side.
The light coming through becomes diffused light, light that spreads in many directions.
This softens the light and turns stark rays of sun into gentle illumination.
It also reflects a percentage of the sunlight to reduce the heat transfer bringing down energy costs.
While this may not dramatically reduce energy cost by itself, it offers another tool with elegant and artistic possibilities.
Architects use etched glass to great effect when creating well lit spaces that require privacy.
Fully frosted panes of glass can be used in interior spaces creating walls that offer privacy while offering a dramatic effect that can increase the feel of spaciousness in a room.
Combing frosted panes with lighting effects can produce a room with a glowing wall, turning the space into a magical world.
Many restaurants use etched glass between booths with a lit rail.
The light spreads across the etching and creates light and privacy in an elegant manner.
For ground floor offices on busy streets half frosted panes can be used.
These offer privacy when seated at a desk and views of the sky or when standing up.
Etched glass can be used for bath windows, shower stalls and bedroom windows.
Artists have also found the medium of etching glass to be a vibrant art form.
With the proper tools blasting glass can create intricate designs and elaborate forms.
Many artists enjoy the texture and liveliness of the images.
Beautiful bodies can seem to glow and float in the air.
With colored lights the frosted etching can be painted with colors.
Flowers etched in glass have a special appeal when combined with well directed colored lights that can bring the bloom to life.
Wind and sand have long been the nemesis of buildings, cars, and landscapes.
Erosion has shaped canyons and cliffs in spectacular ways for all of time.
Watching the light dance of the Grand Canyon, or seeing the shapes in Monument Valley is an easy way to understand the beauty that comes from erosive force of wind and sand.
Turning some of the tools of erosion, wind and sand, into tools for art has created some spectacular works.
Glass etching has been used to create energy efficiency, privacy and art.