Inspiration is here!
I know many of you are missing the interaction, encouragement and inspiration that comes from getting together with like creatives and fusing glass. Last week I hosted my 4-day hands-on, Sculptural Fused Glass workshop. It’s the third class I’ve held since September 2020. In each class, I limited the number of students to facilitate social distancing while still maintaining a comfortable and clean working environment. Last week’s students made several beautiful sculptural pieces. It’s such a joy to see them take the same materials, mix in their own style and artistic flare, to create original that reflect their unique personalities.
We’re all one big happy artistic family. We have to look out for and take care of each other. Therefore, I’m including you in our week’s activities to motivate you to get back into the craft that brings us together.
On day 1 the students jumped right in. They assembled a 10 inch free-flow. They included transparent colors, opal colors and a lot of clear glass. They build the free-flows with four and five layers of glass layered in such a way that the colors mix when heated. When glass is fused, it seeks a thickness of ¼ inch. The multiple layer project flows and grows when heated to 1600 degrees. When making this type of fusible component the growth is expected and desirable. As this displacement method produces all new, exciting color combinations. The students loved making their own personalized sheets of glass.
In the afternoon, the students cut and laid out two woven components. This project looks difficult but its really fast and easy make. The open spaces combined with transparent colors and dichroic glass is an irresistible combination.
On day 2 the students cut their free-flows with saws. It’s always a little nerve racking to cut up a successful project. But exceptional work is the combination of multiple advanced techniques. The cut pieces were then slumped to give the glass a complex curvature in two directions. It’s added steps like this that elevate the visual intricacy and overall attraction of the finished pieces of art. The woven pieces were also slumped diagonally over stainless steel molds to give them a lacy, ribbon affect.
In the afternoon, the students created a rectangular blank with twisted cane, dichroic glass and colors of their choosing. These simple shapes would later take on a whole new look. After the glass is fused it’s cut into thirds, slumped, and then reassemble with shifted layout. The students then made another wavy project and a matching base. The students quickly learn that it’s a combination of advanced techniques that make these projects extraordinary.
On day 3 the students enjoyed casting decorative hearts using stainless steel cookie cutters for molds. They included twisted cane and frit to make darling gifts for family. They also removed several slumped pieces from the kilns. Then they used a 12 inch grinder/ polisher to shape and level the bottom edge of their components. A good portion of this class is spent using equipment that transforms the unique shapes they build into more elaborate forms. Their elaborate forms are then combined to create unique glass sculptures.
On day 4 the students created cast blocks. They followed their own design directions and created patterns that spoke to their individual styles. In the afternoon, we discussed finding inspiration and how to approach new projects in the future with an eye for sculptural appeal. We also went over, in detail, all the firing schedules we used in the class. The students decided to take their components with them and assemble their sculptures at home.
I love teaching these classes. It’s great to be with an energetic group who want to expand their knowledge and art. We all learn when we share our ideas, skills and talent with each other.
This class is all about taking risks. It’s about going beyond the basics to nurture our creative spirit and develop our ability to design original fused glass art.
Where do you find inspiration? Go out there and chase it down. It won’t just come find you. Get firing!
Are you ready to take your glass fusing to the next level? Join me in May for my next available Sculptural Fused Glass Class. Details below.
Here’s what students from my February 2021 class are saying about the workshop.
“I feel I got the movement toward developing my own creativity this week. I was surprised that the things I already knew fit into the new knowledge I was getting in this class. Lisa is an excellent teacher who is tuned into what is going on in the class. She puts no pressure on the students when I know she could have when we were dragging our feet. I was absolutely comfortable with the classroom set up and cleanliness of the studio. Will see you again soon.” -Judy
Learn at home at your own pace with my Sculptural Fused Glass video.
Happy fusing!
Lisa
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My April 2021 Class is SOLD OUT!
NEW DATE!
Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop May 25-28, 2021
Register today! 4 seat available.
Register here!
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
This is the turning-point workshop you’ve been waiting for.
It’s hard to describe what it’s like when I’m feeling the creative flow. Time flies. Hours pass in what I thought were minutes. My naturally distracted mind is focused on what my hands are doing, and nothing else. I get lost in my own world. When I return to reality, I feel rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted. That’s why I like sharing my studio space with others. I try to give them that experience and hope they feel the same inspiration and fulfillment I do. -Lisa
This class is for you! Any skill level can attend. Beginner, intermediate and advanced students alike will learn how to advance their glass fusing skills and expand their artistic style.
Join me and I’ll show you all the pro tips and tricks I use to make stunning 3-dimnesional art. You’ll learn how to combine advanced techniques in new ways to create extraordinary sculptural pieces of art.
You’ll leave class with several completed glass sculptures, my custom firing guides and a deeper understanding of sculptural fused glass fabrication. You’ll have the knowledge, confidence, and inspiration you’ve been craving to take your artwork to the next level.
Materials are included, that’s a $150.00 value!
Here’s what students from my February 2021 class are saying about the workshop.
“I feel I got the movement toward developing my own creativity this week. I was surprised that the things I already knew fit into the new knowledge I was getting in this class. Lisa is an excellent teacher who is tuned into what is going on in the class. She puts no pressure on the students when I know she could when we were dragging our feet. I was absolutely comfortable with the classroom set up and cleanliness of the studio. Will see you again soon.” -Judy
Here’s what the students from my November 2020 class are saying about the workshop.
“There is a wealth of material, tools and possible projects. Lisa is very motivating, informative, and supportive. The variety of materials is amazing. The number of projects we made in 4 days is beyond what I expected. The classroom set up was very well organized. I felt completely comfortable and safe with plenty of space and sanitizer. This class was beyond my expectations.” -Jane
“My favorite thing was Lisa’s knowledge and wealth of information. I was surprised by how many projects we made. I was very comfortable with the classroom set up and loved everything about this class. I learned so much and it was fun. My least favorite part was Friday at 4:00 pm.” -Liz
“My favorite thing about this class was the variety of glass and other materials. Unlimited dichroic! I was comfortable with the classroom set up; Lisa had lots of little personal touches that made it special. Thanks for the wonderful lunches!” -Gail
Student comments from previous classes.
“My favorite part about the class was the non-stop building and the generous amount of materials available. What surprised me about the class was how full the schedule was. Usually, you do 1 project. We did 5 in 4 days. Thank you so much for your generosity.” -Christine
“My favorite part about the class was the variety of projects we made. What surprised me was the number of projects we completed. Awesome experience – will come again in the future.” -Monica
“Instruction was clear, help was always available, and Lisa’s explanation of the equipment was great.” -Sherry
“My favorite thing about the class was the friendly atmosphere that encouraged open thoughts and sharing ideas.” -Lyn
“I enjoyed making all the projects, especially the flow piece and the freedom to be creative with our work.” -Joy
“My favorite thing about the class was the ability to see multiple pieces of art that originated from concepts taught.” -Vicki
“Lisa is very professional, knowledgeable and freakishly talented. House, art, mosaic, her work – really fun and beautiful.” -Lorna
“Incredible class. Lisa shared her artistic knowledge of color flow and her technical knowledge of glass.” -Larry
“I had so much fun! Lisa is a great teacher!” -Brenda
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