Flameworking and Fundamentals for the Neon Studio
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.
Tyler Gordon is an interdisciplinary artist focusing in glass. After graduating from the University of Louisville and the University of Wisconsin Madison, Tyler has worked as a glass teacher, studio technician, fabricator and researcher. He is currently the studios manager at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Wash.
Tracy Drier has been exploring glassblowing since he was a child. A graduate of Western Michigan University and the scientific glassblowing program at Salem Community College in New Jersey, he is currently the Master Glassblower for the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he works closely with scientists designing, building, and refining chemical glassware to meet their research needs. Tracy educates people of all ages about glass, and teaches glassblowing in institutions and conferences around the country.
