Two Artists Emerge
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For Valentine's Day, Steve signed us up for a glass paperweight class at VETRO, a local art studio. Wow! "Isn't that dangerous?" "Well, yes, but only if you're careless." "Are you sure I can do this?" "Yes. The instructor will help." "Awesome! When do we go?" |
| Long poles are kept warm by the furnace. They are heated in the Glory Hole before dipping into the molten glass. Yes, the Glory Hole. I could not make up something like that. The Glory Hole maintains a heat of 2400 degrees. The red hot glowing pole goes from here into the liquid glass. This cauldron is "only" 2200 degrees. The glass gathers on the end of the pole much like molasses on a stick. |  |
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It is then rolled along a steel table to shape it into a tube. This initial step is designed to extend the pole with the glass so the paperweight can easily be removed. Another dip into the molten glass and it's time to start adding artistic touches. Bubbles are created by using an ice pick of sorts to poke holes. Colors can be added by rolling the ball through some crystallized dyes. Back into the Glory Hole for a quick heating before another dip in the lava. The liquid glass will not stick to anything cooler than itself, so the Glory Hole is used to bring up the temperature. Shaping is done with an ash wood cup. This type of wood is very hard and does not burn as easily as other woods, although we did get it smokin'. The Glory Hole is used to heat the piece as continual refinements are made. A pair of tongs called jacks score the paperweight at the base. A knife and a little elbow grease remove the paperweight from the pole before placing it in the kiln. Here it must sit and slowly cool. After several days, Art is born.
Our instructor was very calm, patient and talented. Young, but maybe that means I'm getting old. Steve and I both created three individual pieces and one collaboration. Yes, it was extremely hot by the furnaces. Yes, I was a little clumsy and let the glass touch the side wall of the Glory Hole. (At which point I was descended upon by four people who removed me from the situation as they swiftly got it under control.) Yes, it makes me appreciate even more the time and hard work it takes to develop a talent. And Yes, I would do it again. It was a wonderful experience. | |
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