Project Title: Cast glass workshop
Project Author: David Bradley (Paradise Valley)
Abstract: Write a concise summary with descriptive information about your project, location, time span, your relationship to it, etc. Include specific information-- since you have completed your project, your knowledge is valuable and can be shared with your colleagues.
I spent a week in beautiful San Miguel de Allende learning techniques for casting molten glass into sand molds in the studio of internationally known artist Ana Thiel. I have been a ceramic artist for over 30 years, and have been interested in glass combined with clay for sometime, but this is the first time I have been able to study with anyone knowledgeable on the subject of glass. Glass is a ceramic material but has very specific characteristics that set it apart from clay and pottery.
I was part of a group of 11 participants who worked together to prepare the sand molds, open the 2200 degree furnace, ladle out the glass, and pour it into the molds. We learned how to recognize the working properties of the glass by its color, and how to control the forms and appearance of the glass by manipulating it with wooden and metal tools.
Outcomes: In a paragraph or two describe what worked well. Did you accomplish your objective(s)? Were you able to complete your summer project as written? If not, what did you modify and why? What did not go as well as expected, if anything? Were there any surprises? Note: Use the questions as guides for your outcomes. Do not include detailed list of workshops attended, speakers who presented, or a list of items you have seen, heard, or read.
I had done a lot of research on the subject prior to the workshop, but I was not prepared for the revelation of learning entirely new techniques for making silcone molds by using commonly available silicon caulk. The demonstration of how to use silicone caulk as a molding material opened up new worlds of possibilities for creating multiples of a three dimensional object, or of translating an object from one material to another by casting into the silicone mold.
Professional Growth: Your own professional growth is a large part of your project. Your professional growth is important to you, your students, your college, and possibly other colleagues. How did project affect you professionally? What skills did you learn? What environments were you working in and how might your summer project influence your teaching or other responsibilities? Did you gain a different perspective? Was it professionally valuable for you?
As a ceramic artist I gained hugely in confidence when it comes to working with hot glass. I think I am able to share what I have learned with my colleagues and students the techniques, and am confident that what I have learned will profoundly affect my own efforts in creating works of art.
Dissemination: How will you share this information with your colleagues, department, students, or college?
I will share this information with my college through a campus wide "brown bag" session during the coming semester. I will share with my students in my ceramics and sculpture classes.
For more information about this project, check out the "package" in the Maricopa Learning eXchange:
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mlx/slip.php?item=01841