Craft techniques have been used since ancient times as metaphors that frame and explain our world in a physically relatable way. For example, the act of weaving has been used to describe how different values entwine to form a whole society. Blacksmithing, with its mysterious transformation of raw ore into hardened steel, has similarly served as a metaphor for the supernatural creation of humans from the inorganic. The actions that make up craft techniques give tangible language to metaphors of formation and organization.

At first glance, Structures from the Melted World displays exciting new techniques in abstract glass forming. But on closer inspection, they can be seen as building blocks for metaphors, describing the interconnection of materials, histories, perceptions, knowledges, and possible worlds.