In this intensive class, students will learn how to make representational images in borosilicate glass through stringer drawing. Techniques covered include cut and flip, disk flip, and sock flip, as well as hybrid combinations of these elements. Demos and hands-on torch work will guide students to create images and apply them to vessels, pendants, and functional sculpture. Previous drawing experience is not required.

We will explore different ways to visually communicate ideas, feelings, and stories. Using various kiln-forming techniques such as casting, Pâte de verre, and slumping, we will create small scale narrative objects which will then be combined with each other, the environment, prints, or found objects, to convey one’s mental state, emotion, or personal stories.

Through careful observation we will consider the potential of glass. Various collaborative and experimental demonstrations will explore how one manages optics and sound to broaden the student’s understanding of the material’s possibility. We will delve beyond physical manipulation of glass with respect and thoughtfulness for the material. This class will encourage investigations into the innate properties of glass. Our studio process will be taught in a traditional glass studio as well as a computer media lab.

This course focuses on different methods of transferring imagery onto blown glass. Students will learn the fundamentals of applying glass enamels via screen printing and calligraphy pen. With an emphasis on story telling through imagery, we will divide our time between the hot shop, making forms, and the print shop, creating images on screens. Emphasis will be placed on teamwork, sketching, and ideation.

We will take a wide-ranging look at the History of Glass with an eye towards providing inspiration and source material for your contemporary artmaking. We will look for ideas across a broad spectrum of human endeavor, not only in the aesthetics of the glass, but also in the social, economic, scientific, and political circumstances of the times which shaped it.

In this course you will discover the traditional techniques of Victorian reverse-glass signmaking. This includes such methods as 23kt gold water/oil gilding, gold leaf burnishing, Boston-style gilding, damar varnishing, brush blending, and signwriting. Using all of these techniques, you will create a beautiful gold leaf-mirrored glass sign.