What: With the use of varying temperatures, glass is transformed into sculpture, vessels, wall pieces, and jewelry.
Materials: glass, paint, tools
History: Glass art can be traced back to Mesopotamia where beads were made. Lampworking forms of glass art became popular much later in 14th century Italy where the technique was widely practiced. From there, glass art moved throughout Europe where paperweights were commonly found products.
Agate Spring by Thomas Spake
Techniques:
1. Hot Glass
a. Glass blowing – using either dyed glass, or clear glass rolled in broken dyed glass chips, the material is incorporated and blown into a bubble. Unlike lampworking, glass blowing uses a furnace to heat the glass.
b. Lampworking – glass is melted using a direct flame or torch. The glass is then blown and shaped with hands and tools.
2. Warm Glass
a. Kiln-formed Glass – also referred to as warm glass, the artist uses different techniques like fusing, slumping and casting the glass.
3. Cold Glass
b. Leaded Glass – Lead is introduced into glass making it more malleable. Tools are used to shape cold glass through methods like sandblasting.
Above: Life’s Flow 2 by Mary McClure
Tennessee Craft is being supported, in part, by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
On average, 80% of arts grants in Tennessee are funded by the purchase of state specialty license plates, and, last year alone, 982 grants were given across all 95 counties. By purchasing an Arts Plate, you support arts organizations, schools, and communities across our state! Read More about “License Plate Program”…