Derick began working with glass under the direction of John Pirolo, a chemistry professor at Purdue who also doubles as a scientific glass blower. Derick evolved from making test tubes and beakers into making marbles. He uses glass rods of different colors, and constantly turns and molds the glass in an intensely hot flame.

After much experimentation, Derick found that his favorite marble is what is called a "galaxy marble." Dichoric glass (glass coated in metal) is encased in clear glass, giving the illusion of stars embedded within the marble.

Inspired Fire Glass Studio and Gallery is owned by Sharon Owens, and is located at 2124 S. Indiana 25. (Photo by Michael Heinz/Lafayette Journal and Courier)