Glass Sparks: Sean Hennessey

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The Measure of Value (detail)

Sean Hennessey is a Sculptor, Painter, blogger, propmaker and installation artist, and member of the Washington Glass School family. A graduate of the unique Berea College, Sean worked in professional theater for 10 years as a welder, carpenter, rigger, scenic artist, prop artist, and designer all the while creating his own artwork. Sean has been with the Washington Glass School since 2004 when Tim Tate finally convinced him that glass was cool.


The Measure of Value
Glass, Concrete, Steel
42″x13″

He began his relationship with the Washington Glass School by teaching mold making and concrete casting and assisting various classes. Slowly and steadily Sean began including more and more glass into his mixed media sculptures. By 2010 Sean focused primarily in glass and became a resident artist at the Washington Glass School. His current work uses a combination of glass, concrete, found objects, and steel to create works based on mythologies, philosophy, personal experiences, and whimsy.

We Share What We Have
Glass, Concrete, Steel
24″x13″

A Dream of Flying
Glass, Concrete, and Steel
24×13

Sean creates pieces that have the feel of archaeological finds, as if messages from today have been uncovered in some not too distant future. The earthiness of the concrete in his pieces suggests age and patina, slightly covering and obscuring his glass reliefs. He equates the glass with ethereality and the concrete as a corporeal coating. His work touches on issues of overcoming in everyday life–judging yourself and being judged by others, finding and maintaining inspiration, and dealing with dreams and hopes than conflict with our reality.

Ghost Light
Glass, Concrete, Steel
43″x13″

Sean uses the Dry Plaster Relief Casting technique in his work. He sets up boxes inside the kiln, fills the box with sifted plaster power, makes impressions in the plaster, places sheets of float glass on top of the box and fires the glass to slump into the mold.

Sean working inside the kiln.

It’s a dusty process

Example of a Mold used for Dry Plaster Relief Casting

Once the glass is removed from the kiln, Sean uses special primers and polymers to add a coating of cement to the surface.

Glass castings fresh out of the kiln.

Adding layers of concrete to the glass

But it’s not done yet! Apparently Sean loves adding many complicated processes into each piece! He then goes on to stain, sand, and distress the concrete, adding to the sense of age and antiquity. Sometimes he will paint the back of the glass using translucent coatings to allow light to come through. He then welds up steel frames to finish off his work.

Finding Your Power

Glass, Concrete, Steel 42″x13″

Sean will be one of the artists exhibiting at DC’s Longview Gallery juried invitational exhibition showcasing the people and work of the artists of the Washington Glass School. The show opens in May.

Washington Glass School: The First 10 Years

LongView Gallery

1234 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC
May 19 – June 19, Opening Reception, May 19th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Click HERE to jump to Sean’s artwork website.


For other glass artist profiles:

Teddie Hathaway

Elizabeth Mears

Jeff Zimmer

Allegra Marquart

Jackie Greeves

New Flamework Class Schedule

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Now that Spring has sprung – its time to get busy! Below are the new Spring/Summer Torchworking class offerings –

Class 1108 – Flamework Club – Open Studio For Flameworkers
Already know the basics of flameworking? Want to join others in a social atmosphere while you work? Our Flamework Club gives each student the opportunity to work independently in a world class studio while meeting some great new friends! Materials extra. Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Sat/Sun afternoons (call to confirm appointment)
Time : 1:30pm to 5pm
Tuition : $300 for 4 sessions (or included with instructor classes)

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Class 1109 – Flameworkers Weekend Workshop

Develop your sculptural voice through working with glass at the bench torch. This 2-day workshop will focus on advancing your individual skills while allowing you to work on your own personal sculptural projects. In this free-form workshop the participants will be able to not only learn techniques necessary to accomplish their personal projects, but also be able to learn the techniques required by others. The materials fee provides student with an initial pack of glass, fuel for the torches and the loan of a full set of hand tools. Additional glass and supplies are available for purchase as the class progresses. This is a fun way to reinforce your skills while working with other great artists! Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Session A Sat/Sun April 23 & 24

Session B Sat/Sun May 28 & 29

Session C Sat/Sun June 25 & 26

Time : 11 am – 5pm
Tuition : $250 +$50 material fee (pay material fee to instructor in class)

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Class 1110 – Beginning Sculptural Flameworking
Learn the basics of making objects in the flame from borosilicate (Pyrex) glass. This 2-day class will focus on skills that are the basis of working with glass on the torch. You will come away with knowledge and some fine objects too! Rob is an energetic, knowledgeable instructor and artist who is ready and willing to help anyone learn this fascinating art form. The materials fee provides student with initial pack of glass, fuel for the torches and the loan of a full set of hand tools. Additional glass and supplies are available for purchase as the class progresses. Take this class more than once to reinforce your skills! Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Sat/Sun May 21 & 22
Time : 10 am – 1pm (the 1:30pm
to 5pm open lampwork studio directly following the class is free to any class member)
Tuition : $250 +$50 material fee (pay material fee to instructor in class)

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Class 1111 – Coldworking 101 – How to Grind and Polish


Learn how to incorporate coldworking techniques into your glass art. This 1-day class will focus on skills that are the basis of coldworking glass on the flat lap grinder. You will come away with knowledge and the ability to work safely and effectively with coldworking equipment! Robert will explain and demonstrate how the various pieces of equipment in the studio are used so that the students gain familiarity with what tools are available and how they can be properly utilized for glass art. The materials fee provides student with several “Blank” forms that they can use to practice these techniques. Students are also encouraged to bring small glass items that are less than 2″ in surface are to experiment with. Class Limit: 8 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe

Dates : Sat May 7
Time : 1pm to 5pm
Tuition : $130 +$20 material fee (pay material fee to instructor in class)

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PayPal WGS Spring/Summer 2011 Flamework Class Registration

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