Using plaster elements in fused glass is an easy way to add variety to your basic stock of molds and shapes. The little plaster elements are made using a mold, and a mixture of pottery plaster and silica flour in a 1:1 ratio. However, you can also achieve excellent results with basic plaster of paris. (more…)
Sometimes it is fun to just gear up and doodle on glass with an engraving tool. Typically, the engraving happens after the artwork is complete, so the lines are much more opaque and free form than the lines in the carved work featured here. I like to use my flex-shaft with a tiny diamond ball tip, and the same water set up as the glass carving.
Engraving can be a little tricky, since it is free hand, and the artwork isn’t usually flat. However, with a bit of practice, it is a nice way to expand your options.
'Woven' - Engraved Recycled Glass Vessel
Last January I had the pleasure of talking with Howard Skinner, the art teacher at North Rose Wolcott High School about the possibility of his students working with recycled glass. What a fabulous surprise to get photo’s of the projects. These students are doing some seriously cool glasswork.
From an artist’s point of view, this is really about the best thing that can happen. If my work and knowledge can inspire kids to branch out and explore, then I’m doing my job right! (of course, having an expert like Howard as your teacher helps too…)
Windbreak
Windbreak
Windbreak started coming to Farmer’s Market with me during the summer of 2007. One of my favorite people (we’ll call him Don) came to visit it every week for quite a few weeks straight.
Towards the middle of the summer, Don’s wife (let’s call her Annette)decided to give Windbreak to Don for Christmas. At that point Windbreak didn’t have a base, so casually, during one of the weekly visits, I asked Don for advice on building the perfect base.
Turns out Don had definite opinions about that. Which I followed.
Well, this went on for the rest of the summer. Annette and I managed to keep a straight face until the very end.
The best/worst part was having to tell Don that Windbreak had been sold. Ouch!
Needless to say, Don was surprised on Christmas, and Annette and I should have gotten some kind of award for acting!
Windbreak measures 15″ wide and approximately 10″ tall. Hand-carved and slumped recycled glass 3/8″ thick. Mounted in a solid walnut base with LED lights.
