glass sculpture

[anne (bxl)]

I have been thinking for a while of making glass sculpture but I don't know how to start in this technic. I know a bit about ancestral crafty technics but I was thinking more about some moldings in pure white glass or even crystal.
Anyone has information or experience in this matter?

[PeterG]

Hi Anne,

I have just started "playing" with glass with the intention of incorporating it into my steel sculpures. I have yet to do any casting, but I did get a book (off Amazon.com I think) called "Glass Casting and Moldmaking" by Boyce Lundstom. It seems to be quite detailed.

The other option is to contact your local Art Glass association. Most cities seem to have one and attend a few classes to get a feel for it.

I just started such a class last week.....Its fantastic!

Good Luck

Peter

[anne (bxl)]

thank you Peter for the book reference.
We don't have here, in continental Europe, the associations way of life. So, there is no Art Glass association here around. And quite rarely glass technic classes in académies (art schools) because of the cost probably. So learning places are mainly private workshops.
Let me know your progress and publish pictures here if you have some.

[glass attack]

I would start searching the internet for "Kiln Cast Glass". I'm guessing that this is what you are interested in.

England, Germany, France and Netherlands all have active Glass Societies. Check the website for Glass Art Society, www.glassart.org for more information and lists of schools and studios in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Bullseye Glass has an informative website. They manufacture glass for kiln casting and also hold classes. www.bullseyeglass.com

Pilchuck Glass School is a great place to learn any glass technique. People from all over the world teach and attend classes here. Artists who work in other mediums are encouraged to apply for inro classes as well as Artist in Residence positions. www.pilchuck.com

Art Fabrication Services, Inc is a Glass Foundry located in the Czech Republic. They make great work for glass artists and sculptors all over the world. www.artfabrication.com

If you are looking for a book on glass techniques, try Whitehouse Books in Corning, NY, USA. It is a family owned store and shipping to Belgium shouldn't be a problem. This place has every glass related book in and out of print. www.whitehouse-books.com

Hope this helps,
Alex
Glass Attack, Inc.
Tucson, AZ

[anne (bxl)]

WOUAWWW alex, thank you for all those information sites! I just had time for a quick look and I am very exited to explore them more deeply.
Are you a glass artist yourself? have you a website of your own?

[obseq]

Anne,

Glass art, from what I know, has always seemed to be a closely-guarded artform with an equally close-knit group of artists.

Think of Miles Davis playing with his back turned to the audience as not to let anyone see his his technique ;)

Alex,

Where in Tucson are you located? I lived in there for 15 years and visit regularly.

[fritchie]

I’ve kept out of this until now, waiting for other comments, but let me chime in now. A young and very energetic newcomer who worked (and works) in glass joined my university faculty about 30 - 35 years, and is known locally, at least, today as sort of the godfather of glass sculpture in New Orleans. Second and probably even third generation students work in the area today.

It’s a fairly specialized medium, as probably each technique is, but it’s increasingly common. Most of the best glass pieces locally probably combine glass with some other element, such as steel.

Let us know where you go with this, and Good Luck!