The term creative slumping has a broad range of potential directions. Isn’t that awesome! We have a huge array of handling techniques to feed our ever curious artistic spirit, and challenge our glass crafting skills. For me, creative slumping means taking ready-made molds and using them in ways that result in extraordinarily unique 3-dimensional forms. The great thing about this approach is that super simple ideas applied in combination often make the most exciting pieces of art.
How do you get started?
It’s about looking at your materials with fresh eyes. Because of past experience, you easily envision the outcome of using your favorite molds. But what happens if you place the fused glass on the mold in a different direction? Or maybe next time cut your glass in a different shape? Better yet, use two molds at the same time for a single project. How will that alter your results? The answers are in test pieces.
Nothing goes to waste.
Clear glass is the least expensive glass. When I’m in the mood to experiment with creative slumping I start by planning my project shape. Then I cut that shape out of clear glass. I fuse two pieces of clear glass together, so I have the same thickness I would later when I transition to color glass. Then I test fire the fused glass over my mold configuration taking notes every step of the way. If my results are unexpected or undesirable I try again. Once I have the look I want, I repeat the process with color glass. I keep the clear glass samples that are successful for reference in the future. The ugly samples are broken into mosaic size pieces and used as filler in my cast projects.
If I can’t waste glass who can?
I do a lot of testing. I figure if I can’t afford to waste glass considering how much teaching I do, then who can? I cut the glass, fire the kilns, and make the mistakes, so you don’t have to. Plus, I’m stubborn. I like a challenge. When a project goes wrong, it becomes a personal mission to figure out how to make it right. And I love sharing my processes and giving you the information needed to be successful the first time.
That’s what my upcoming Creative Slumping webinar is all about. Showing you step-by-step how I come up with my ideas and how I execute them. Plus, I share my project specific firing guides that I’ve developed and tested to ensure your success. If that isn’t enough to convince you to join me, the projects are striking. Watching flat glass go from a lifeless single plane to a glistening, energetic sculptural work of art is amazingly satisfying.
I hope to see you in my Creative Slumping webinar.
Excerpt from Creative Slumping Webinar
Webinars are a wonderful way to stay connected to other fusers and keep the creative flow strong between hands-on workshops. In this webinar, I show you how to use materials you likely already have in innovative ways to make new and unique shapes. You’ll be amazed at how simple combinations can transform ordinary shapes into sculptural works of art. I hope you’ll join me for this fun and informative live event.
Wherever you are in your artistic journey, you’re doing a great job! Bravo!
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox!
You’re Invited to Join me!
Creative Slumping Webinar
May 16, 2023
Learn to Make Free-Form Molds Using Fiber Blanket
Create Impressive Drop-Out Vessels
Learn to Build Unique Bases
Design Textures that are Easy and Fun!
Join me and see how thinking outside the box and using ready made molds in new ways offers numerous and exciting opportunities to produce unique forms. I’ll challenge and motivate you to transform your ordinary projects into inspiring, sculptural pieces of art! Don’t miss this opportunity!
In this detailed Webinar, I’ll reshape the way you slump and drape glass. You’ll learn how to make your own graceful, free form shaped molds from readily available materials with no laborious measuring or messy mixes needed.
Taking you one step further, I’ll show you how to use these different approaches, in combination, to transform ordinary projects into inspiring, sculptural pieces of art!
I hope you’ll join me!
Become a Premium Video Member
Learn how to make 9 advanced glass fusing projects!
NEW Artwear T’s are here!
T-shirt Giveaway! now -5/13/2023
How to win!
Check out my new Artwear T-shirts designed for artists on my website. Vote for your favorite T-shirt design on my YouTube channel by commenting which one you love most in the comments of my latest vlog. One winner will be picked at random. No purchase necessary. One entry per person. The winner must be 18 or older and live in the continental US. Allow 3-4 weeks for prize delivery. Vote by 12:00 midnight 5/13/2023.
Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.
Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.
I wish I could print your blogs as I could review as needed. Thank you