Earth’s Impressions: Crafting Nature in Mosaic
In this workshop, students will explore the art of mosaic through textures and patterns inspired by nature, observing how symmetry and chaos coexist in the natural world. The workshop offers hands-on experimentation with a variety of materials, from traditional glass and marble to natural elements or everyday objects, transforming them into original mosaic artworks. The workshop also includes an overview of mosaic history, from its origins to contemporary practices. It will also include practical training with traditional tools like the hammer and modern tools like pliers, including cutting marble, glass and alternative materials. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to develop creativity, reconnect with nature and transform ordinary objects into expressive mosaic art.
Engraved in Glass
At the engraving lathe, we will get to know the essential engraving tools and build confidence with stone and diamond wheels. In this workshop, we will explore how each wheel moves and how it changes the surface. We will work through the fundamentals step by step until the hand finds its rhythm and we begin to sense how the glass responds. Alongside classic wheel engraving, we will work with the battuto technique, creating rhythmic, geometric textures.
Inside / Outside
Through hollow-core kiln-casting, students will explore how glass can contain layered interior and exterior space through transparency, magnification and depth. Using hollow-core, hanging-core, multi-part and press mold techniques, students will create sculptural cast glass works incorporating personal objects, found materials or natural forms. Demonstrations will include silicone mold making, plaster and clay modeling, kiln firing, and coldworking techniques such as cutting, grinding, and polishing. Alongside technical development, the class will investigate relationships between inner and outer space, memory, perception and personal imagery. All skill levels are welcome, with advanced students able to pursue more complex hanging-core techniques.
Kinetic Play
This workshop will combine borosilicate tubes and rods to create kinetic works in glass. Students will explore flameworking and cold working techniques to create elements of movement in boroscilicate glass. Expand your horizons on how to use glass as a material. This workshop will explore core concepts through individual and collaborative projects.
Out of the Box Lighting
We encounter lighting everywhere. It sets atmosphere through intensity, color and form. Through experiments, you will mock up lighting ideas by exploring different effects like shape, material and hardware. This class will cover basic electrical wiring, hardware, assembly and making your own blown glass parts. Demonstrations will include introductions to lamp parts and prefabricated wiring sets, blowing glass according to specs and/or working with glass fabricators, cold working and basic wiring. Assignments are given and problem solving will be a focus. Students are encouraged to "think out of the box." The class will focus on going from a concept to finished piece or collection. If you are interested in lighting and come from a design, product or art background, this is an excellent class for you to master taking a project from lighting concept to prototype.
