Emphasising and deepening knowledge around mold making as a tool within kiln-formed glass processes, this course is aimed at those with a solid foundation in the discipline who want to explore methods for tackling more complex projects. Beginning with plaster and moving through various silicone and composite molds on both small and larger-scale objects, students will address fundamental concepts of draft and registration, accuracy, suitability of materials and mold design through structured individual and group exercises.Students will explore and gain confidence in methods to translate potentially challenging forms into glass through developing molds for lost wax and permanent pattern processes.

The "Translating Form" workshop is part of a new international exchange program between Pilchuck Glass School and Berlin Glass e.V. (Germany), supported by the Alexander Tutsek-Stiftung. This year, one artist from the Pacific Northwest will come to Berlin to teach and take part in a residency, and one artist from Berlin will be invited to Pilchuck Glass School. The first Berlin-based artist selected for the exchange is Alan Horsley.

Students in this class will learn the essentials of building, using, maintaining and the operation of a neon processing manifold. As an integral part of this class, students will learn the fundamentals of scientific glass working techniques. These glass skills will then be used to build a glass neon manifold to bring home*, as well as to feel confident in future customization and/or  repair. In addition to glass working skills, students will receive information on both the theoretical and practical use of the processing system- including design, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

*Neon glass manifolds require additional mechanical components to be fully functional. Information on these components will be provided, however they are not included as part of the tuition.

This course will highlight cold working as an expansive part of glassmaking, using only reductive processes to create shape, surface, and transform objects. The focus will be entirely on cold working techniques and building a set of skills for future success. We will review all aspects of working in a cold shop, from proper setup and efficient movements to avoiding common mistakes and working with clients. All shop equipment will be used to demonstrate precision work, surfacing, and much more. The course will include drawing and planning sessions, and students should expect to leave with both studies and finished works.