Monthly Archives: June 2012

Hot Times At Glass School

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>The thermometer might be reading in the triple digits (upper 30’s for the C° crowd ), and there may be powerful storms that have knocked out power for many in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland & Virginia) but there are those that come to the glass school to chill. 
Here are some shots taken on a hot weekend:

University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire Associate Professor Susan O’Brien has come to the glass school to work in glass, as a change from ceramics. Susan here talks about her composition with artist Michael Janis.

Susan explores integrating decorative patterns into her fused glass

Artist John Henderson removes his castings from the kiln.

John is preparing artwork for a new mixed media series he is developing.

John’s new “Shield” series incorporates cast glass African imagery with metal and fused glass elements. And working with a water-cooled chop saw helps cool him down. 

Nancy Donnelly works with glass frits to create a lovely floral backdrop.

Stay Cool Peeps! 




Posted in cool glass, john hendersen, Nancy Donnelly, susan obrien

Glass BLAST! in London

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Cate Watkinson
BLAST! 2012

COHESION GLASS NETWORK’S 10th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

July 6 – August 8, 2012

Joanne Mitchell

London, England’s ZeST Contemporary Glass Gallery is hosting BLAST! 2012, the 10th anniversary exhibition of Cohesion Glass Network. Cohesion Glass Network is an initiative supported by the UK’s Sunderland City Council as a way to create a business network for glassmakers and artists. 


Tim Tate

To celebrate this landmark, ZeST Gallery has invited eight of Cohesion’s founding members to exhibit their latest artworks and provided the opportunity to select an artist to be a “partner” and show work alongside them.

Roger Tye

These eight artists are Criss Chaney, Dominic Fonde, Zoe Garner, Ruth Lyne, Joanne Mitchell, Claudia Phipps, Roger Tye and Cate Watkinson.  They have selected partners whose work they admire, or find complementary to their own, or in some cases they have joined forces to create unique collaborative work, exploring and developing themes and concepts held in common. Some, but not all, of the partner artists are Cohesion members, and all but one of the partners are artists working in glass.

Michael Janis

Cohesion artist Joanne Mitchell chose Washington Glass Studio artist Tim Tate. Cohesion’s Roger Tye is paired with WGS’ Michael Janis. Michael and Tim were both at Cohesion’s studios while in the UK on their Fulbright assignment.

The exhibition features a diverse selection of glass art, including wall-mounted and installation artwork, as well as vessels and sculpture, and embodies a broad spectrum of processes and techniques. The pairings within the show create an exciting dynamic of glass, artistic and otherworldly narratives.

Carrie Fertig

Artist pairings include:
Criss Chaney with Robyn Townsend

Dominic Fonde with Chua Teng Yeow

Zoe Garner with Carrie Fertig

Ruth Lyne with Rachel O’Dell

Joanne Mitchell with Tim Tate

Claudia Phipps with June Kingsbury

Roger Tye with Michael Janis

Cate Watkinson with Emma Hollins

Blast! 2012

July 6 – August 8, 2012

Zest Contemporary Glass Gallery

Roxby Place (end of Rickett Street)

London SW6 1RS

Posted in britain, city council, cohesion glass network, creative cohesion, england, fused glass, roger tye, sunderland, uk

In The Studio, Casting Some Flowers

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Gaffer Glass Crystal casting billets being set out for  kiln firing into lost wax molds.

It is great to see Robert Kincheloe working from the Washington Glass Studio, making some lost wax components. Here are some photos of Rob at work, creating many little flowers in the lost wax process.

Rob makes new elements by pouring melted wax into the silicone rubber  forms and letting the was set.
After the wax sets up, Rob pours a plaster/silica mix around and after the plaster hardens, he melts out the wax. The forms are then cleaned and glass is placed into the reservoir and are shown here inside the kiln, awaiting their fate once the kiln heats up.
Rob recounts his adventures & triumphs at Artomatic.

Posted in gaffer glass, lost wax process

Art, Work, Love and Other Basics

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Art, Work, Love and Other Basics. A panel presented by The James Renwick Alliance 

Date & Time:

Tonite Friday, June 22, 2012 – 8:00pm – 10:00pm

Location:

Renwick Alliance Room – 11th Floor Artomatic

Art, Work, Love and Other Basics will be presented by the James Renwick Alliance on June 22 at 8 PM at the JRA Education Room, 11th floor.

The moderator of the panel will be the sculptor and educator Rick Wall, and the panelists will be Brad Taylor, Donna McCullough, Julia Bloom, Matt MacIntire, and Michael Janis, recognized by the JRA for their outstanding work.
 The artists will be discussing their creative processes, the body of their work, their interests, and their inspiration. FREE and Open to the Public. 

The Art Fair is almost over – if you have not yet made it over to see the exhibits – here’s another invitation!

Artomatic 

1851 S. Bell Street

Crystal City, Virginia

Yellow Line Metro Stop: Crystal City

Posted in artomatic, crystal city, james renwick alliance, JRA

New Technologies In Glass

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Vanessa Cutler’s new book: New Technologies in Glass is a vital text for any glass artist wishing to expand their toolkit and challenge the possibilities of the medium

The world of the glass artist is changing. Emerging technology for the cutting, engraving, and printing of glass is opening doors for those who want to work more quickly, more accurately, at larger scales and in multiples, and is stretching the boundaries of innovation.


The Washington Glass School was first introduced to Vanessa Cutler’s waterjet glass artwork in the groundbreaking “Glass 3” exhibit held in Georgetown in 2008 with artists from the UK, Washington, DC and Toledo, OH. The art critic of DCist wrote of her work “Some of the artists are actually experts in glass theory with Ph.Ds and have developed techniques that not only create beautiful art, but have revolutionized architecture and other uses for the medium. Vanessa Cutler is one of those artists. She uses waterjet technology to create pitch-perfect cuts and holes in glass.”

Dr Vanessa Cutler is a Research Co-ordinator at the Welsh School of Architectural Glass, Swansea Metropolitan University, as well as a lecturer, craftsman, designer, consultant, recognised glass artist and authority on waterjet cutting of glass, and she has presented papers in Europe, UKand Americaon creative applications of using such technology for the creative and industrial sector. 

Spinal Wave – Waterjet cut & kiln-formed float glass 
Detail – Spinal Wave

Dr Cutler’s new book  “New Technologies in Glass” is now out . Using straightforward language, she introduces the digital tools that are becoming an essential part of an artist’s toolkit, and describes the application of new technologies, from cutting and engraving machinery to rapid prototyping.

Dr Cutler loves glass. Here she smooches with her work exhibited at Chicago SOFA’s  BIGG (Breakthru  Ideas in Global Glass), 2009.

Vanessa trained in Architectural Stained Glass at the UK’s Swansea Institute and completed a Masters at University of Wolverhampton, before setting set up a studio undertaking a variety of commissions ranging from church restoration to contemporary interiors. In 2000 she moved to Sunderland, Englandto undertake research looking at creative uses of waterjet cutting. Vanessa was until recently an architectural glass artist living and working in, the North East employed as a Research Fellow at the University of Sunderland, completing her PhD in 2006. She now lectures at Swansea School of Architectural Glass, Swansea Metropolitan University, Swansea Wales.

Click HERE to jump to the publisher info about the book.

Posted in bigg, emerging technology, glass three, new technologies in glass, vanessa cutler

Washington Glass School/Studio is Seeking a Studio Coordinator and Production Manager.

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The Washington Glass Schooland Studio is one of the largest and most successful warm glass and sculpture centers in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 10 years time we have seen over 4000 students and sent many on to rewarding careers. Our focus is on sculpture, both as individual studio artists, and large-scale public art commissions.

This is a very integral position within our community. You will be responsible for coordinating equipment usage in the studio, be responsible for organizing and keeping the studio clean, assisting the principle artists, packing and shipping artwork, overseeing some large scale projects and (eventually) teaching some classes. Experience in glass is helpful, but not necessary, as we will train. 

There will be heavy lifting; plaster mixing and mold making, and mold steaming as well. Some exhibition and project installations will require assistance. The schedule is flexible; the studio is typically open from 10am to 6pm M-F, but your hours are based on workload. We are open to unusual scheduling. There are also some evening and weekend classes.

While this is a demanding job, it also can be an extremely educational and rewarding one. Besides being part of a vibrant and successful studio, you will have your own workspace and will be encouraged to make your own artwork and to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that pass through our doors. The pay is $10 per hour to start with a salary evaluation after 90 days. 

You will receive additional pay for every class you teach. We are particularly interested in a person who would truly benefit from this position, both personally and artistically. Many opportunities come through our studio…we encourage you to take advantage of them. Our school is based on the premise that everyone here will be happy for everyone else’s success, thereby fostering a nuturing and non-internally competitive work place. We are looking for just the right person for the long term.

 

Care to join us?

Call Tim Tate/ Washington Glass School

202-744-8222

3700 Otis Street, Mount Rainier, MD 20712

timtateglass@aol.com

Located about 4 miles from Logan Circle, across the DC border of Eastern Ave. Click HERE to jump to map.

Posted in job in glass, studio coordinator

Magically Suspicious Opens @ School 33 Art Center

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Robert Kincheloe’s interactive sculpture “Aether – The Magical Element” has motion sensors that activate various components integrated into the different pieces. 

Our imaginations question what we see with our eyes, and in turn, our eyes question what we think we perceive. We want to be deceived. We time travel through life, drifting in a vast sea of information and distractions, searching for the spectacular, the mysterious, and the hidden. 


Baltimore’s School 33 Art Center presents “Magically Suspicious,” a group exhibition curated by Adam Lister on Friday, June 8 through Saturday, August 18, 2012, designed to confound and amaze.

Detail of “Wind” – the sensors start up fans within the piece and blow out at the viewer.

The exhibit features artwork, such as drawings, paintings, photography, installation and sculptures that draws connections between process-based art, abstraction, and the desire to explore the curious and the unknown. Robert Kincheloe’s newest interactive mixed media sculpture is a standout. His torchworked glass interactive sculptures invite investigation. 

Exhibiting artists include John M. Adams, Amy Boone Mccreesh, Remmi Brant, Mei Mei Chang, Bobby Coleman, Bonnie Crawford Kotula, Jamin, Robert Kincheloe, Adam Lister, Greg Minah, Marilyn Minter, Stephanie Rivers, Phillip Scarpone and Willie Wayne Smith. 

Detail of Robert Kincheloe’s “Fire” plasma charged torchworked glass sculpture – put your  hand to the glass and watch the charge move towards your fingertips.

Magically Suspicious
Opening reception  Saturday, July 7, 2012 from 3pm to 6pm. 
School 33 Art Center, a facility managed by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, 
1427 Light Street, Baltimore, MD.
Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6pm.

Posted in adam lister, Baltimore, interactive, plasma, robert kincheloe, sculpture

Report From Glass Art Society Conference in Toledo

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>Professor Tate has returned from the Toledo GAS Conference – loving all the events and talks. Said Tim about the conference “absolutely magnificent! ”  “[Outgoing GAS President] Jeremy Lepisto’s gang did a spectacular job! and Laura Donefer’s fashion show blew me away. Such wonderful memories; so many new friends…..can’t wait till the conference next year in Boston focusing on the next 50 years!” Below are some photos taken while at the conference.

Marc Petrovic demos at GAS.
RIT’s University Glass Program head Michael Rogers.
Mark Angus – the UK Glass stained glass artist – whose work “Daily Bread” was admired by the Fulbrighters while visiting Durham Cathedral in the UK.
Artist Stephen Paul Day shares a drink with Erwin Eisch – one of the Studio Glass pioneers .
Semrin Kormaz – a student from Tim & Michael’s class in Istanbul’s Glass Furnace workshop catches up with Tim.
Artist Herb Babcock chats with Vanessa Cutler.
Tim Tate and Michael Janis’ work on “Images” exhibit at Walter Terhune Gallery.
Marc Petrovic artwork at Images show.
The end of the conference was highlighted by the Glass Fashion show led by Laura Donefer. Next year, the show is scheduled to take place in Boston, MA. Start planning now!

Susan Taylor Glasgow’s glass undergarments were the hit of the fashion show. (nb – the model is not Susan) 
The model here, however, IS Laura Donefer.

Posted in erwin eish, GAS, Glass Art Society, herb babcock, jeremy lepisto, laura donefer, mark angus, michael rogers, semrin kormaz, stephen paul day, toledo, vanessa cutler

Blue Spiral 1 Gallery in Asheville, NC features Glass Secessionists

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Robert Bender‘s cast glass sculptures.

A number of venues around the country are hosting exhibitions this year in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Studio Glass Movement (including one at the Asheville Art Museum). The current exhibition at Asheville, NC’s Blue Spiral 1 gallery is a little different however…  
Stepping outside the gallery’s standard focus on southern artists, this national invitational centers on Glass Secessionism – on view through July 28, 2012.      

Works by Sean Hennessey and Christina Bothwell.

Often incorporating other media, work by Glass Secessionists is predominantly narrative or conceptual. Noted in the group’s description, “The intent of the (Glass Secessionism) group is to underscore and define the twenty-first century Sculptural Glass Movement and to illustrate the differences and strengths compared to late twentieth century technique-driven glass. While the twentieth century glass artists’ contributions have been spectacular and groundbreaking, this group focuses on the aesthetic of the twenty-first century.”    

Tim Tate‘s treats in glass.
Thor & Jennifer Bueno and Christina Bothwell ‘s artwork make striking juxtapositions.
Marc Petrovic‘s amazing sculptures.
Artists have done fantastic and innovative things with glass over the past 50 years, while its potential as a sculptural medium continues to grow as we see object  makers crossing over from their primary discipline and articulating ideas through a variety of media. Bringing background and technical knowledge of particular materials, artists approach new mediums with fresh perspective, often discovering exciting ways to handle or combine media. Glass is no stranger to this phenomenon. For example, Tim Tate incorporates video elements in some of his works. Most of Christina Bothwell’s sculptures marry glass with ceramics…along with a host of other materials. Susan Taylor Glasgow assembles iconic images of domesticity through sewing together glass elements. These artists represent a number of makers who are redefining the field.  

The bold sculptures by Marc Peiser provide a counterpoint to Susan Taylor Glasgow‘s domestic icons in glass. 

Michael Janis‘ drawings in glass.

Artwork by Michael Janis, Ken Carder and Christina Bothwell in the front window of the gallery.

The story may be poignant or provocative; the imagery haunting or humorous, but whether they lean toward edgy or whimsical, a growing number of glass artists have something compelling to say. Many share the sentiment that the medium offers more than dazzling effects, desiring objects that transcend materiality and stir something within us.     

Glass Secessionism includes work by Rick Beck, Robert Bender, Christina Bothwell, Thor & Jennifer Bueno, Ken Carder, Susan Taylor Glasgow, Sean Hennessey, Michael Janis, Mark Peiser, Marc Petrovic, Sally Rogers, and Tim Tate. The exhibition opened June 7 and will continue through July 27 in the Showcase Gallery on Blue Spiral 1’s main level and extends through the month of August upstairs.

Works by Christina Bothwell, Rick Beck, Sally Rogers and Robert Bender.

Posted in "glass secessionism", blue spiral gallery, christina bothwell, jennifer bueno, ken carder, marc petrovic, mark peiser, rick beck, robert bender, sally rogers, sean hennessey, susan taylor glasgow, thor bueno

Recruiting for PhD in Glass and Ceramics

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Prof Petrie outlines the benefits of advanced degrees in the arts offered by the University of Sunderland.

Kevin Petrie, Leader of the UK University of Sunderland’s Glass & Ceramics program is in the US this week for the Toledo GAS Conference, popped into the Glass School for a quick visit. Kevin met with Washington Glass School instructors and artists, talking about the UK’s “Distance Education program”.  Kevin’s mission from the University is to get more PhD glass artists out there, and he will be talking at the Conference’s Tech Booth #17.

Erwin Timmers talks of sustainable design in glass to Prof Petrie.
Erwin talks of his process to create his colorful forms.

Posted in glass and ceramic, kevin petrie, mfa, PhD Glass, university of sunderland