PRECISION FUSION: MAKING DESIGN ELEMENTS
In PRECISION FUSION we will explore extended possibilities in design and
composition through multiple firings. We will compose and fuse our designs, cut
them apart and re-compose them, and fire them again. Never
refuse to re-fusesm
We will be departing from the usual flat fusing practice by using no bottom
glass and no cover glass. Much of the work will be with strips of
transparent colors for a straight line quality.
After the first firing, the slabs will be cut and re-composed into different
designs, and fused again. We can expect three generations of this and it
can lead to really interesting patterns.
Over the years, people have had trouble understanding just how such patterns
are made. Now it is time to show the technique in a hands-on
workshop. It may be a mystery, but it isn't a secret.
Another path to be explored is FUSED OVERLAY DESIGN. In this mode, you
make one composition on a kiln shelf and another design directly on top of the
first. This is an interesting method of color composition using transparent
colored glasses. In this part, one need not be under the heavy influence
of geometry.
Direct composition with the glass itself is encouraged, however many artists
prefer to design on paper or computer first. Either way is acceptable. No
Art Police here.
If time allows, we will explore collaborative efforts such as raking
(combing) hot glass. Always a bit of fun.
Among the technical points to be discussed are kiln firing, annealing,
cutting thick glass and cold finishing.
Murrini making is a technique that will expand your fusing vocabulary and
enable you to create complex patterns with a minimum of effort. The
Venetian glass blowers, on the island of Murano, are famous for the use of this
technique and they lend their name to the term "murrini".
Rods or strips of compatible glass are bundled together so that the ends of
the rods create a pattern. This bundle is then fused together in a small
furnace or flame chamber known as a Glory Hole. Once fused, the bundle can
be stretched into a long narrow rod of glass. When this rod is cut,
each cross section bars the original pattern that was created. Sections of
this rod can then be re-fused into flat compositions or jewelry. The cross
section design is referred to as a "murrini". Paperweight
collectors often refer to these inclusions as Millefiori, Italian for
"thousand flowers"
This workshop offers hands-on experience in exploring the techniques of
murrini making and fusing. With a Glory Hole and kilns, we will be free to
explore these techniques without the costly burden of having to keep hot glass
continuously melted in a furnace. This means that an artist with a modes kiln
and glory hole can expand their design vocabulary at a minimum of operating
expense.
Course Fee is $650.00
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